Frequently Asked Questions

E-bikes:

• Class 1 & 2: No license required
• Class 3: Riders must be at least 16, but no license is required (CVC §21213(a))

E-scooters:

• Yes, you must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit to operate an e-scooter in California (CVC §21235(d))

While there no age restrictions for class 1 and 2, the Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that between ages 9-12, children should not operate any product that travels faster than 10 mph.

• E-bikes:
  • Class 1 & 2: No minimum age by law, but children should be knowledgeable of the rules of the road. Children under 16 are prohibited from operating an e-device that is faster than 20 MPH. 
  • Class 3: Minimum age is 16 (CVC §21213(a))
• E-scooters: 
  • Riders must be old enough to obtain a driver’s permit or license.

• Riders under 18 riding a manual bike, any class e-bike, or a scooter are required to wear a helmet (CVC §21212(a))
• Class 3 e-bikes: Helmets are required for all riders, regardless of age (CVC §21213(b))
• E-scooters: Riders under 18 must wear a helmet (CVC §21235(c))
• Moped and motor-driven cycle: Helmets are always required at all times. (CVC §27803(a)

As of January 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles are required to apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle.

The label contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle.

• E-scooters: Under state law, the maximum speed is 15 MPH (CVC §22411)
• Class 1 & 2 e-bikes: Assist cuts off at 20 MPH (CVC §312.5(a)(1)-(2))
• Class 3 e-bikes: Assist allowed up to 28 MPH, and the bike must be equipped with a speedometer (CVC §312.5(a)(3))
• If a device has the capability of going faster than 20 MPH on motor power alone or 28 MPH with pedal assist, it is not an e-bike.

The best way to make sure you’re buying a safe and legal e-bike is to purchase it from a reputable bicycle shop. Otherwise, be aware that some manufacturers are promoting non-street legal devices incorrectly as e-bikes, even going as far as affixing e-bike class stickers with false information.

To check whether a device is a legal e-bike, please:

• Make sure that it has a manufacturer label stating its e-bike class; and
• Ensure that the motor cannot emit more than 750 watts at any time; and
• Ensure that the e-bike cannot travel faster than 20 mph on throttle power alone (Class 2) or 28 mph with pedal assist (Class 3)

An e-wheel with excessive power or speed is considered a moped or motorcycle and is illegal on public roads unless it is registered with the DMV, equipped with motorcycle lights and mirrors, and ridden by someone with a driver’s license.

If you are shopping for a device for you or your child, it is your responsibility to ensure they are using it safely and legally.

Yes. Some manufacturers sell e-bikes that allow the rider to use the handlebar display or an app paired with the bicycle to shift into “unlimited” mode. This modification can bypass the e-bike's preset limits. In some cases, the bikes can be altered to exceed 30 mph without pedaling. As of January 1, 2025, the state prohibits the sale of products or devices that can modify the speed of an e-bike per AB 1774.

No. The City of Alameda cannot ban e-bikes or e-scooters from public streets or roadways because state law classifies them as legal vehicles with a right to use the road, just like bicycles. California Vehicle Code (CVC) defines where and how e-bikes and e-scooters can be operated statewide. Local jurisdictions may regulate their use on certain paths, sidewalks, or trails, but they cannot pass ordinances that override or contradict the state’s vehicle code. (CVC §21207.5,CVC §21230)

No. Speed limits for e-bikes and e-scooters are explicitly set by the State of California, and local governments are not authorized to change them. These speed caps are intended to create uniform safety standards across all jurisdictions, so riders don’t encounter conflicting rules in different towns. (CVC §22411, CVC §312.05)

• E-scooters are capped at 15 mph statewide
• Class 1 & 2 e-bikes are capped at 20 mph
• Class 3 e-bikes are capped at 28 mph

No. California does not set a minimum age for operating Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, and local governments are not allowed to impose one. The only class with an age restriction is Class 3, which requires riders to be at least 16. The state’s views lower-speed e-bikes similar to traditional bicycles, promoting access and simplicity across all communities. (CVC §21213(a))

The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that children between the ages of 9 - 12 should not operate any product that travels faster than 10 MPH.

No. Manual bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric scooters may not ride on sidewalks that pass directly in front of or adjacent to any stores, schools, or other buildings used for business purposes during the hours that such establishment is open for business. This is also prohibited by California law for e-scooters (CVC §21235(g)).

• Bike lanes: All e-bike classes and e-scooters are allowed in bike lanes.
• Streets: All e-bike classes and e-scooters are allowed to operate in the street. Riders should travel as far to the right as practical. Rules regarding vehicle and manual bicycle operation apply to e-bikes as well. This includes, obeying signs/signals, speed limits, yielding to pedestrians, etc.
• Sidewalks: E-bikes may not be used on sidewalks that pass directly in front of or adjacent to any stores, schools, or other buildings used for business purposes during the hours of operation.(AMC 11-4.2) E-scooters are not allowed on any sidewalks (CVC §21235(g))

Yes. As outlined in AMC 11-4.23, riders should use hand signals just like bicyclists and drivers. This includes signaling for turns, lane changes, and stopping.

Handheld phone use is prohibited while riding e-bikes, scooters, or while operating any any vehicle.

Riders may not wear headphones/earbuds in both ears while operating a motorized vehicle (CVC §27400).

No. Trick riding, acrobatic, unusual or stunt riding upon any public highway or street in the City of Alameda is prohibited by anyone operating a manual or electric bicycle. (AMC 11-4.11)