In 2001 Congress passed Public Law 319-107 defining an Electric Bicycle/Tricycle as a 'BICYCLE' and subject to the same rules and regulations as a pedal type bicycle. An Electric bike is defined as a 2 OR 3 Wheel device, under 750 watt and may NOT have the capability of speed OVER 20 MPH, with a combination electric and human power. Each State has it's own regulations for safety and licensing, however, the same rules that apply to bicycles should apply to electric bicycles, since local or state laws may not override federal law.

Overview and Our INTERPRETATION. When we first began researching this product line, we wanted to understand the rules for operating Electric Bikes, mobility scooters and mopeds. This summary page is our interpretation of what we have learned from the California Department of Motor Vehicles web site. The first thing we learned was not to always expect clear rules, but rather regulations that are subject to interpretation; written by legislators, enforced by law enforcement and subject to final interpretation by a judicial system. Each state has their rules and regulations. Buyers would be wise to thoroughly research their individual state’s requirements for the operation of either Electric Bikes, Mobility Scooters or Mopeds (electric)

Basically we wanted to know, who, what, where and how? WHO may operate these Two and Three-Wheeled Electric Scooters?

Mobility Scooters: 1. May be operated on sidewalks and crosswalks by any persons over 62- no license required. 2. May be operated by mobility impaired individuals of any age.

Electric Bikes (Mopeds) Two and Three Wheeled 1. Two and Three Wheeled Scooters may be operated by anyone over 16. No license required. 2. May be operated on streets and bike lanes with bicycle helmet. 3. MAY be licensed (Not Required) for a one-time fee of $18, no annual renewal, Electric Bike/Moped may be transferred to another owner with the transfer of the license.

For more detailed information go to California Department of Motor Vehicles web-site: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/

OR Click on the text below for more specific links.