Mopeds, scooters and motorized bicycles are each defined and treated differently by California law. In California, you don't need a motorcycle-specific license or DMV registration for scooters and motorized bikes. Riding a moped, on the other hand, requires both valid registration and an M1 or M2 license. Operating a moped on California roads also requires liability insurance.
- California motorized scooter laws
- California moped laws
- California electric and motorized bicycle laws
- Other motorized vehicles
- Do you need insurance for a moped or scooter in California?
California motorized scooter laws
In California, a motorized scooter (also called an electric scooter) is defined as a vehicle that has:
- Two wheels
- Handlebars
- A floorboard that can be stood upon while riding
- A motor that powers the vehicle
A motorized scooter can have a seat for the operator, but this isn’t a defining feature of a scooter under California law.
You can operate a scooter with any class of driver’s license in California. This means that you don’t need a license specifically for scooters, but you do need to have a regular driver’s license. And while motorized scooters are street-legal, they don't need to be registered with the DMV or carry license plates.
While on the road, motorized scooter riders need to obey the same traffic and safety laws as all other vehicles. However, there are also some scooter-specific restrictions in California:
- The driver needs to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet at all times.
- Scooters can’t be ridden on roads with a speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour, unless there is a bike lane, in which case the scooter can only be ridden within it.
- As with other vehicles, motorized scooters should not be operated on sidewalks.
- There cannot be a passenger on scooters, just the driver.
- Motorized scooters shouldn’t be driven faster than 15 miles per hour on the road.
These regulations apply to standard motorized scooters. Mobility scooters, on the other hand, can be driven at up to 30 miles per hour on the road. However, this law only applies to mobility scooters operated by seniors or those with a physical disability.
California moped laws
A moped in California is a vehicle with the following characteristics:
- Two or three wheels — four-wheeled vehicles are generally considered cars or off-road vehicles
- An electric motor and automatic transmission. A moped may also include pedals, if it’s not entirely propelled by its motor
- Maximum speed of under 30 miles per hour on level ground
If your vehicle is called a "moped" but doesn’t go faster than 20 miles per hour, it will likely count as a motorized bicycle under state law. Such "mopeds" may fall into different categories depending on maximum speed, so you should confirm potential requirements with the DMV before operating one on public roads.
In order to drive a moped on public roads, you'll need to carry an M1 or M2 motorcycle license. You also need to register your moped with the DMV and obtain a license plate for it. Unlike car registration, moped registration is a one-time process with no renewal requirement.
When you register your moped, you’ll also receive a moped ID card, or registration card, which acts as your proof of ownership. You should carry your moped ID card at all times when operating the moped. Moped riders also need to wear an approved safety helmet when riding on public roads.
California electric and motorized bicycle laws
Motorized bikes (also called electric bicycles) are similar to mopeds, but California law treats them differently. A motorized bicycle is defined by having pedals and an electric motor with fewer than 750 watts. There are three different classes of electric bikes:
- Class 1 electric bicycle: A bicycle with an electric motor that activates when the rider is pedaling and deactivates once the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2 electric bicycle: A bicycle with an electric motor that can propel the bike without the rider pedaling. The motor cannot be capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 3 electric bicycle: A bicycle with a speedometer and a pedal-assist electric motor that stops providing power once the bike reaches 28 miles per hour. You must be at least 16 years old to operate class 3 electric bicycles.
Electric bicycles are street-legal in California, but you don’t need a license or registration in order to operate one on the road. However, electric bicycle riders must wear a DOT-approved safety helmet if they are under the age of 18 or are operating a class three electric bike. In addition, electric bikes can only be ridden by one person at a time — you can’t carry passengers.
Other motorized vehicles
There are a few additional classes of motorized vehicles, some of which are street legal in California.
| Motorcycles | Yes | A motorcycle is defined as a vehicle with two or three wheels and an engine 150 cubic centimeters (cc) or larger. To ride a motorcycle in California, you typically need an M1 motorcycle license, proof of insurance, and a DOT-approved helmet. If your motorcycle has three wheels or a sidecar, you only need a Class C license. |
| Motor-driven cycle | Local roads only | A motor-driven cycle is like a motorcycle but with an engine that is 149 cc or smaller, so it can’t be driven on freeways. Riding a motor-driven cycle requires DMV registration and an M1 motorcycle license. |
| Dirt bike | Mostly no | The regulation of dirt bikes in California is a complex situation involving emissions standards, model years and required modifications. Check with the DMV to see whether your bike is eligible for street use. |
| Mini bikes | No | Also referred to as pocket bikes or mini motorcycles, mini bikes are not street legal in California. |
Do you need insurance for a moped or scooter in California?
Riding a moped in California requires insurance coverage, while riding a motorized scooter does not.
You aren’t required to carry insurance while operating a motorized scooter in California — this coverage is entirely optional. On the other hand, mopeds have the same insurance requirements as motorcycles. In order to ride a moped in California, you need to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance:
- $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person
- $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
- $5,000 of property damage coverage per accident
If you’ve leased or financed your moped, your lender may enforce its own set of insurance requirements as part of the loan agreement. These requirements may mandate that you purchase coverage above and beyond the state minimums.
FAQs
In California, you don't need a motorcycle-specific license or DMV registration for scooters and motorized bikes. Riding a moped, on the other hand, requires both valid registration and an M1 or M2 license. Operating a moped on California roads also requires liability insurance.
Are motorized scooters legal in California? ›
You can only drive motorized scooters on a bicycle path, trail, or bikeway, not on a sidewalk, and you cannot exceed a speed of 15 mph. You do not need to register motorized scooters. You can drive a motorized scooter with any class driver license.
Can you drive a 50cc scooter without a license in California? ›
Low-powered mopeds do not require special license plates or identification, nor does the state require registration or insurance for these vehicles. However, riders must be at least 16-years-old to operate a moped.
What are the laws on motorized bicycles in California? ›
California law prohibits the riding of motorized bicycles and mopeds on sidewalks. You must ride your motorized bicycle on the road, with the rest of the traffic, unless there is a designated bicycle lane. As a motorized bicycle rider, you must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and rights-of-way.
Can you ride a motorized bicycle without a license in California? ›
A motorized bicycle is defined by having pedals, an electric motor with fewer than 1,000 watts and a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour or less on level ground. Electric bicycles are street-legal in California, but you don't need a license or registration in order to operate one on the road.
What scooter can I drive without a license in California? ›
In California, you don't need a motorcycle-specific license or DMV registration for scooters and motorized bikes. Riding a moped, on the other hand, requires both valid registration and an M1 or M2 license. Operating a moped on California roads also requires liability insurance.
What scooters are legal in California? ›
You can operate an e-scooter with any class of driver's license in California. You do not need to register the device with he DMV. And you can only ride the scooter up to 15 MPH and on a bicycle path, trail or bikeway – but not on a sidewalk.
What scooter can I drive without a license? ›
The advantages over just passing a CBT course alone, are that you can ride any Moped (up to 50cc) without L-plates and you may carry a pillion passenger. The minimum age requirement for this type of license is 17 years old. First, you have to complete your CBT.
What's the difference between a moped and a scooter? ›
Basically, if there's a platform where you can put your feet while you are riding, what you are riding is a scooter. If it's under 50cc then legally it's classed as a moped. Generally, scooters are more expensive than mopeds, which is unsurprising given their advantages in terms of power and engine size.
Do you need a license for a Honda Ruckus in California? ›
The Honda Ruckus is 50 cc and a scooter, which is considered a “motor-driven cycle,” per California Vehicle Code 405. (That other bike you described would be considered a “motorized scooter,” as defined by CVC 407.5.) To operate the 50-cc Ruckus, you need an M1 driver's license.
The question remains, is this legal to operate on the streets? Yes, it is. California Vehicle Code section 406 defines a motorized bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that has pedals for human propulsion and a motor (whether gas or electric).
Can you ride electric scooters on the sidewalk in California? ›
California law prohibits riding electric scooters on the sidewalk. Users can ride in the street if the posted speed limit is 25 mph or slower, as close to the right-hand curb as possible, the law says. Scooter riders can also use bicycle lanes.
Do you need a motorcycle license for a Vespa in California? ›
In California, you'll need an M1 driving license to operate a Vespa scooter, or any other type of scooter or motorcycle.
Are gas scooters legal in California? ›
The only gas powered scooter that is currently legal for sale in California is the Go-Ped GSR Pro-Ped Cruiser. For more information about gas powered scooter and pocket bike law in California, click here. UrbanScooters.com is a California based business and stands by its state's emission laws.
Can mopeds go in cycle lanes? ›
The use of e-scooters is not currently permitted in dedicated cycle lanes or, indeed, on any public highways or pavements in London.
Are e bikes legal in California? ›
A Class 1 eBike, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles, is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph. These e-bikes are legal on any paved surface that a regular bike is allowed to operate.
Do you need license for scooter 50cc? ›
You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates and without taking the moped test in some situations.
Can you drive a 50cc without license? ›
If you have a full car licence issued before 1st February 2001 you may ride a restricted 50cc moped on the road without L plates (and carry a passenger), but you still need to pass your CBT test to ride any motorcycle over 50cc.
What scooter can I ride on car licence? ›
Yes, if you have a full car licence you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike off-road. However, you must take and pass your compulsory basic training (CBT) before riding on the road.
Do you need a license to drive a 150cc scooter in California? ›
2-Wheeled Vehicle Classifications
Motorcycles have only two wheels and an engine that is over 150cc in size. Motorcycles must be registered and their drivers must have a valid motorcycle (M1) license. Motor-Driven Cycles have engines that are 149cc or less.
California law defines as a moped as a vehicle meeting the following criteria. The vehicle's engine may be no larger than 50 cubic centimeters. The vehicle must have pedals for human propulsion. The vehicle must have an automatic transmission. The vehicle's motor may not produce more than two brake horsepower.
Do I need a license for an e-scooter? ›
Riders must be 18 or over and hold at least a provisional driving license. The speed limit of trial e-scooters is capped at 12.5mph - they will automatically reduce speed to 8mph in 'go slow' areas. The trial e-scooters also come to a safe stop in 'no-go' zones to ensure they can be ridden safely.
What roads can a 50cc moped go on? ›
You will be happy to know that with a 50cc moped you can drive almost anywhere. The basic rule is to check out your journey. If anywhere appears to have a minimum speed of above 30mph, you are in a safe place. However, should the road be above a minimum speed of 30mph, find a different route.
How fast can a 50cc moped go? ›
What's the top speed of a 50cc moped? Most 50cc scooters come with a restricted engine, which limits the bike to a top speed of 30mph (48kph). However, a 50cc scooter can go at speeds of up to 60mph (96kph), while most will comfortably reach 40mph (65kph).
Can I carry a passenger on a 50cc moped? ›
You don't need to take a CBT as technically you can already ride a 50cc moped without L plates and carry a passenger. However, if you wanted to ride a 125cc you'd need to take your CBT training and then be required to display L-Plates and be unable to take passengers.
Can a 150cc scooter go on the highway? ›
In California, any scooter with 150cc of displacement or more is legally classified as a “motorcycle” and all motorcycles are freeway legal (see California vehicle code section 400).
Are Vespas scooters or mopeds? ›
Is a Vespa a scooter or a moped? A Vespa is an iconic Italian bike and many people asked if it is a scooter or a moped. The truth is, it's both. Vespa is an uber cool bike brand manufactured by Piaggio, founded by Rinaldo Piaggio in 1884, and now headquartered in Pontedera, Italy.
Is a Honda Ruckus a moped or a scooter? ›
For those not in the know, the Honda Ruckus is a 49cc scooter (or moped) that, in most states, does not require a special license to drive. More important than the fact that a Ruckus is a scooter is a fact that it's a Honda.
Are mini bikes street legal in California? ›
The state of California boasts some of the strictest emissions standards in the country. As a result of these laws, 99 percent of all motorized scooters and mini bikes are illegal for sale or use in the state.
Are helmets required for scooters in California? ›
The new law signed into effect by Governor Jerry Brown, California AB 2989, which was signed into law last year, and went into effect January 1st, 2019, states that individuals under the age of 18 must wear a helmet on all motorized vehicles, including electric scooters of any type.
The Met said 3,637 e-scooters have been seized by police in London this year. It is currently against the law to use e-scooters in public because they do not always have visible rear red lights or number plates.
Are Segways legal in California? ›
While Segways are allowed and even encouraged by the state, it is important that people operate them prudently. This includes not going faster than is reasonable, riding too closely behind vehicles or failing to obey basic traffic safety laws.
