We’ve heard your concerns about the safety of e-bikes, scooters, and e-motorcycles. Keeping everyone safe — on wheels or on foot — is our top priority.

How to Identify E-Bike Classifications

Labeling California Vehicle Code 312.5(c)

All e-bikes must have a permanent label showing:

• Class (1, 2, or 3)
• Top assisted speed
• Motor wattage

Licensing & Registration California Vehicle Code 24016(b)

E-bikes are not motor vehicles. No driver’s license, registration, or insurance is needed

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) California Vehicle Code 38006

E-bikes that don’t meet Class 1, 2, or 3 standards are treated as off highway
vehicles. These must be registered with the DMV and display a red or green
sticker. 

Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes)

Class 1:Pedal assist works up to 20 MPH.

and

Class 2: The throttle can assist up to 20 MPH.

• Motor stops helping at 20 MPH
• No age minimum requirement
• Must have pedals
• A helmet is required for those under 18 years of age
• Can ride on some bike lanes & bike paths
• Must follow traffic laws

Class 3: The pedal can assist up to 28 MPH. 

• Motor stops helping at 28 MPH
• Must have pedals
• Must be at least 16 years old to ride
• Helmet required for ALL riders
• Can ride: some bike lanes on the road (striped or not). Be sure to check out our videos at MVPD.gov
• Not allowed on separated bike paths or barrier-protected bike lanes per the California Vehicle Code
• Must follow traffic laws

Motorized Scooters (E- Scooter)

Requirements:

• Max speed: 15 MPH
• Must be at least 16 years-old to ride
• A helmet is required for those under 18 years of age
• Valid CA Driver’s License Class C or
• Instruction Permit Required
• No passengers allowed
• Must follow traffic laws

Allowed on:

• Roads with a 25 MPH speed limit or less
• Bike lanes (striped, unstriped, or separated)
• Bike paths (obey all posted speed limit per the California Vehicle Code)

Not Allowed:

• Not allowed on roads over 25 MPH
• No passengers allowed
• In the City of Mountain View Parks

E-Motorcycles (E-Moto)

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV)

Requirements:
Displayed DMV-registered green or red sticker CA Driver’s license not required
Department of Transportation (DOT) requires helmets for both rider and passenger
Treated like a motorcycle, violations can lead to citations & impound

Allowed on:
Allowed on private property and designated OHV areas. Metcalf Motorcycle County Park

Not Allowed:
Public roads, highways, bike paths, bike lanes, schools, or Mountain View Parks

On-Highway Motorcycle

(Street Legal)

Requirements:

CA Driver’s License with M1/M2 endorsement required
Department of Transportation (DOT) requires helmets for drivers and passengers
Must be registered & insured
Violations may result in citations or impoundment

Not Allowed:
Not allowed on bike paths, bike lanes, or in parks