Police Crackdown On E-Bikes In Marin County Amid New Laws

SAN RAFAEL, CA — The San Rafael Police Department in enforcing the new e-bike laws and is confiscating electric motorcycles from riders under the legal age.

The SRPD said officers are seeing more violations and incidents involving electric motorcycles being driven by unlicensed minors.

Electric motorcycles are prohibited from operating on public streets, highways, and public parking facilities; any found operating in these areas are subject to impoundment, police said.

"Unlicensed juveniles caught operating these vehicles may be cited for driving without a license or a motorcycle endorsement," police said.

Information about the laws and differences between E-bikes and electric motorcycles:

E-Bike (312.5(a) CVC):

• 3 Classes of E-bike
• Class 1 and 2 are 750 watts or less of power, max speed 20 MPH.
• Class 3 is 750 watts or less power, max speed of 28 MPH – Rider must be 16 years old or older.
• All classes of e-bikes must have fully operable bicycle pedals.
• Exempt from registration, license plate, and insurance requirements

Motorized Bicycles and Mopeds (406(a) CVC):

• Cannot exceed 30 MPH
• Still must have pedals for human propulsion
• Does not have to have pedals if powered by electric energy only.
• Operator must have a driver’s license with M1 or M2 endorsement
• DOT helmet required to operate
• DMV registration specific to mopeds is required.

Motorcycle / Electric Motorcycle (400(a) CVC):

• A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels.
• Not limited to speed requirements of e-bikes, mopeds, and motorized motorcycles
• Operator must have a driver’s license with M1 or M2 endorsement
• DOT helmet required to operate
• To be legally used on street or highway – must have required mechanical equipment (headlights, taillights, brake light, signals, mirrors, horn, license plate holder)
• Subject to standard vehicle registration if it has street-legal mechanical equipment.
If not street legal (does not have required equipment), then it can be registered as an off-highway vehicle (OHV).
• OHV cannot be operated on public streets, highways, or off-street public parking facilities.