|
MOTORIZED SCOOTER, ELECTRIC BIKE AND POCKET BIKE LAWS
Federal Electric Bicycle Law - HR 727
LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES SEC. 38.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, low-speed electric bicycles are consumer products within the meaning of section 3(a)(1) and shall be subject to the Commission regulations published at section 1500.18(a)(12) and part 1512 of title 16, Code of Federal Regulations.
(b) For the purpose of this section, the term `low-speed electric bicycle' means a twoor three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.
(c) To further protect the safety of consumers who ride low-speed electric bicycles, the Commission may promulgate new or amended requirements applicable to such vehicles as necessary and appropriate. (d) This section shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to lowspeed electric bicycles to the extent that such State law or requirement is more stringent than the Federal law or requirements referred to in subsection (a).
State Electric Bicycle and Scooter Laws
The laws and regulations that govern the operation of motorized scooters, electric bikes and pocket bikes vary from state to state. In addition, enforcement may vary from city to city. Before purchase, we recommend contacting your local law enforcement agency, DMV and insurance carrier to obtain the most up to date and accurate information for your area. In addition, check local laws for motorized scooter, electric bike and pocket bike helmet certification requirements. They may require that helmets adhere to ANSI, Snell or DOT certification standards. CPSC certified helmets are approved for use with push scooters, skateboards and bikes, but are not considered sufficient head protection when riding motorized scooters, electric bikes and pocket bikes. It's the customer's responsibility to check all local laws and regulations prior to purchase. Our standard return policy will apply with no special consideration on all returns due to restrictions in your area.
|
Electric scooter and bike laws vary from state to state and change from time to time, so we encourage you to check out your state DMV website or contact your local DMV office. Below you will find links to DMV websites for 50 states and Washington DC.
|
Scooter Law in California
As of 2005, California scooter laws state that you need a California driver's license or learner's permit to operate motorized scooters on public roads. Also, modifications resulting in increased noise or exhaust emissions are prohiited. This new regulation does not apply to pocket bikes which are covered under California motorcycle laws.
Summary of California Scooter Laws
-
A driver's license or learners permit is required to drive an electric scooter.
-
No insurance, registration or license plates are required.
-
Driver must wear a bicycle helmet.
-
Driver shall not operate motorized scooter in excesses of 15 mph.
-
Driver shall not operate on public road with a speed limit of 25 mph or more, unless it is operated in a bike lane.
-
Driver to operate on right side of the roadway and next to the curb when feasible. When intending to move left at an intersection, they must walk their scooter in a crosswalk when crossing roadway.
-
Driver must operate in a designated bike lane when one is available.
-
Driver must not ride on any sidewalk except to leave or enter adjacent property.
-
Driver shall not leave scooter on path or sidewalk.
-
Driver shall not hitch scooter onto another vehicle in motion.
-
Driver shall not have passengers.
-
Driver can be on bike path or trail unless prohibited by local ordinance.
-
Driver must have at least one hand on handlebars.
-
Equipment requirements during hours of darkness:
-
White headlight to the front visible from 300 feet both to the front and sides.
-
A red reflector on the rear of the device, visible from 500 feet.
-
White or yellow reflector on each side visible from the front and rear of the device from 200 feet.
-
A white lamp or white lamp combination, attached to the operator and visible from 300 feet in front and from the sides of the motorized scooter.
-
Handlebars must not exceed shoulders of the rider.
-
Scooter must have an engine/motor kill switch that activates when released or when the brakes are applied.
-
Scooter must have a working brake.
Summary of California Electric Bicycle Laws
-
A driver's license is not required to drive an electric bicycle.
-
No insurance, registration or license plates are required.
-
Driver shall not operate a motorized bicycle if under 16 years of age.
-
Driver must wear a bicycle helmet.
-
Bicycle must have fully operative pedals.
-
Power output must not be more than 1000 watts.
-
On level ground must not travel faster than 20 mph on motor power only.
-
Electric motor must disengage when brakes are applied or when throttle is released.
Summary of California Moped Laws
-
A driver's license or learner's permit is required to drive a moped.
-
No insurance or yearly registration are required.
-
Driver must wear a DOT approved motorcycle helmet.
-
An electric moped is not required to have pedals.
-
On level ground, must not travel faster than 30 mph on motor power only.
In California, a driver's license or learning permit is required to operate a moped on public roads. A license plate and registration card is also required. A moped license plate and registration card costs about $6.00 and has no expiration date.
Gas Scooters and California C.A.R.B. Tier 2 Emissions Law
California has strict emissions standards which make 99% of all gas scooters and gas powered pocket bikes illegal for sale or use in this state for purposes other than closed course competition. In addition to all other local and state usage laws and regulations, the gas scooter or pocket bike must comply with California C.A.R.B. Tier 2 exhaust emissions standards.
If you live in California, please be aware of this law when selecting a gas powered scooter or pocket bike for purchase. If you live outside of California you may want to purchase a California emissions compliant gas scooter or pocket bike for other reasons. They're cleaner (less polluting) and not as noisy as non-compliant gas scooters and pocket bikes.
|
