Ride Smart. Ride Safely.

Electric mobility devices, including e-bikes, electric scooters, mopeds, and other small electric transportation devices, have become increasingly common throughout Davis. These devices provide important transportation and mobility options for the community, students, commuters, and visitors. This page provides safety information, applicable laws, riding expectations, and community resources to help support safe and responsible use throughout Davis.

Types of Electric Mobility Devices

California law treats different electric devices differently depending on speed, power, and operation.

E-Devices

California recognizes three classes of e-bikes:

• Class 1, also known as low-speed pedal-assisted e-bikes, provide assistance only while being pedaled and only at speeds under 20 miles an hour.
• Class 2, also known as low-speed throttle-assisted e-bikes, provide power assistance up to 20 mph but have a throttle that allows the rider to engage the motor without pedaling.
• Class 3, also known as speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles, are like Class 1 bicycles except that the motor assistance must stop when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

While people of all ages may ride Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes, Class 3 e-bikes may only be ridden by people 16 years of age or older who are wearing helmets.   

E-motos are electric-powered motorcycles or dirt bikes that use a battery system instead of traditional gasoline engines. They are generally not street-legal and cannot be ridden on roads, sidewalks, or bike paths. They are classified as off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) and require a DMV "Green Sticker" for use only on private land or designated OHV

E-Motos fall outside the three California e-bike classifications (CA Vehicle Code 312.5) and are not allowed on any bike paths or public roadways. 

If a two-wheeled vehicle with an electric motor has any of the features mentioned below, it may require registration with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and proper licensing:

• Provides pedal assistance beyond 28 miles per hour;
• Provides throttle assistance beyond 20 miles per hour; 
• Has a motor with more than 750 watts of power; or
• Does not have operable pedals.

The City of Davis supports education-based approaches to improving e-bike safety. In many cases, the Yolo County Superior Court Traffic Division may allow eligible individuals to participate in a diversion or alternative disposition program in lieu of paying a fine. These programs are designed to promote safe riding habits, increase knowledge of traffic laws, and reduce future violations.

As part of a diversion program, participants may be required to complete bicycle or e-bike safety education and training. This may include successful completion of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) online E-Bike Safety Course, which covers safe riding practices, rules of the road, emergency maneuvering, and California e-bike laws. Completion requirements and eligibility are determined by the court on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Electric mobility devices must:

• Stop at stop signs/signals
• Yield where required
• Travel in the correct direction
• Use safe speeds for conditions
• Follow all applicable laws

• Ride at safe speeds
• Yield to pedestrians
• Give an audible warning when passing

Modifying an e-bike, scooter, moped, or other electric mobility device can make the device illegal to operate under California law and may significantly increase safety risks. Many devices are designed and certified to operate within specific speed, power, and equipment limits. Altering these systems can change the device's legal classification and may subject the rider to additional laws, licensing requirements, citations, or liability.

Examples:

• Removing speed governors
• Increasing motor output
• Altering controllers/software
• Converting devices beyond legal classifications

State Law and Local Authority to Regulate E-Bikes

Many community members ask why the City does not simply adopt additional restrictions on e-bikes. While cities have some authority to regulate where and how bicycles and e-bikes operate, California state law establishes a comprehensive framework that limits the extent to which local governments can create their own e-bike regulations.

What Cities Cannot Regulate

Because e-bikes are defined and regulated under state law, cities generally cannot create local ordinances that conflict with state requirements. Examples of areas where local authority may be limited include:

• Creating new e-bike classifications that differ from state law.
• Imposing local registration or licensing requirements for legally defined e-bikes.
• Establishing equipment standards that conflict with California's statewide e-bike regulations.
• Regulating e-bikes in a manner preempted by the California Vehicle Code.

The City's Approach

The City of Davis continues to work within the authority granted by state law to improve safety through:

• Public education and outreach.
• Enforcement of existing traffic laws.
• Consideration of facility-specific regulations where authorized.
• Collaboration with state lawmakers, transportation agencies, DJUSD, commissions and community stakeholders on emerging e-bike safety issues.

Community members should be aware that many requested restrictions would require changes to California law before they could be implemented at the local level.

Links/resources for:

• California Highway Patrol e-bike safety training
• Public Works – Transportation Webpage  
• Attorney General Rob Bonta Consumer Alert
• E-Bike Safety - Ride Smart. Ride Safe.