When using an e-bike or e-scooter to get around Elk Grove, it’s important for riders to understand the state and local laws that govern where and how these vehicles can be used.

This page outlines the legal requirements for e-bike and e-scooter speeds, age limits, helmet rules, and where riding is allowed or prohibited, helping residents and visitors ride safely and stay compliant with California law.

Motorized Bicycle or Moped

vespa

California Vehicle Code (CVC) 406 (a) 
  • Two or three wheels
  • Fully operative pedals or no pedals if it has an electric motor
  • Maximum speed of 30 mph
Rider Requirements
  • License: Driver’s license with an M1 or M2 endorsement
  • Helmet: DOT compliant helmet required for all ages
  • Where: May ride on public and private roads
  • Must be registered with the DMV and have adequate vehicle insurance
Possible Penalties
  1. 12500(a) VC Citation - Driving without a license and tow with 30-day impound
  2. Right of way violation

Not allowed on sidewalks or trails

Motorized E-Scooter

escooter

California Vehicle Code (CVC) 407.5
  • Two wheels with a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard for standing on when riding
  • May have a driver seat that does not interfere with the ability to stand and ride
Rider Requirements
  • License: Driver’s license or instruction permit required
  • Helmet: Bicycle helmet if under 18, CVC 21212
  • Where: May ride wherever traditional bicycles may ride, CVC 21200
Possible Penalties
  1. 21235 (d) VC Citation - Operate a motorized scooter without a valid driver's license or instruction permit.
  2. Helmet citation
  3. Right of way violation

No riding on sidewalks
Not to exceed 15 mph

Off-Highway Motorcycle (E-Motorcycle)

dirt bike

California Vehicle Code (CVC) 436 
  • A motorcycle for use exclusively off the highway
  • Electric and/or gas powered
Rider Requirements
  • License: None
  • Helmet: DOT compliant helmet required
  • Where: Can only ride at off-highway vehicle parks or on private property
  • Must be registered with the DMV and have adequate vehicle insurance
Possible Penalties
  1. 12500(a) VC Citation - Driving without a license and tow with 30-day impound

This type of motorcycle is NOT street legal.
May not ride on any public road, sidewalk, trail, or park.

Class 1 & Class 2 E-Bike

a step through ebike

California Vehicle Code (CVC) 312.5

A pedal or throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that assists only up to a speed of 20 mph

Rider Requirements
  • License: None
  • Helmet: Bicycle helmet if under 18, CVC 21212
  • Where: May ride wherever traditional bicycles may ride, CVC 21200
  • No minimum age requirement to ride
Possible Penalties
  1. Helmet Citation, if applicable
  2. Right of way citation, if ridden improperly.
Class 3 E-Bike

bike

California Vehicle Code (CVC) 312.5
  • A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist when a speed of 28 mph is reached
Rider Requirements
  • License: None
  • Helmet: Bicycle helmet required regardless of age, CVC 21213(a)
  • Where: May ride wherever traditional bicycles may ride, CVC 21200
  • Must be 16 years or older to ride
Possible Penalties
  1. Helmet Citation, if applicable
  2. Right of way citation, if ridden improperly.
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