E-Bikes, E-Motos, E-Scooter, and Other Micro Mobility Devices: Overview of Regulations and Safety Considerations

Receive the informational presentation on e-bikes, e-motos, e-scooters, and one-wheel electric devices, and provide initial feedback to staff. 

Alexandra Ikeda, Deputy City Manager

As part of the Open Space, Active Transportation, and Sustainability (OSATS) Commission's and the Parks and Community Services (PCS) Commission's Work Plans for Fiscal Year 2026/27, the Commissions were tasked with exploring potential regulations related to electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric motorcycles (e-motos), electric scooters (e-scooters), and one-wheel electric devices. This joint special meeting will provide both Commissions with an overview of definitions, California laws, existing City regulations,  and highlight considerations before determining whether to move forward with an ordinance regulating these devices. 

DEFINITIONS

1. Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes)

California Vehicle Code Section 312.5 defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. California recognizes three classifications: 

• Class 1: Pedal-assisted, with motor assistance ending at 20 mph. 
  
  
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted, allowing the motor to propel the bicycle without pedaling, with motor assistance ending at 20 mph.
  
  
• Class 3: Pedal-assisted, with motor assistance ending at 28 mph and a required speedometer. Riders must be at least 16 years old. 
  
  

Age and Helmet Requirement: 
These helmet requirements apply on public streets, bikeways, and public bicycle paths and trails. California Vehicle Code Sections (CVC): 312.5, 21212, 21213. 

• Class 1 and Class 2: No statewide minimum riding age. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. 
  
  
• Class 3: Riders must be at least 16 years old. All riders and passengers, regardless of age, must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. 
  
  

2. Electric Motorcycles (E-Motos) 
Effective January 1, 2026, CVC Section 436.1 establishes a definition for off-highway electric motorcycles, commonly referred to as e-motos. These vehicles are designed primarily for off-highway use and have an electric motor, handlebars, a manufacturer-provided straddle seat, two wheels, and no manufacturer-installed pedals. E-motos are subject to California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) off-highway vehicle (OHV) registration and identification requirements when operated on public lands or private property open to the public. They must display the applicable DMV-issued identification. E-motos may be operated in designated off-highway riding areas, authorized trails on certain federal and state lands, motocross tracks that permit their use, and private property with the property owner's permission. OHV registration does not authorize operation on public streets, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, or shared-use recreational trails. Limited exceptions apply to certain authorized highway crossings.

3. Electric Scooters (E-Scooters)
CVC Section 407.5 defines a motorized scooter as a two-wheeled device equipped with handlebars and electric motor, with either a floorboard designed for standing or a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard. E-scooters do not require DMV registration. Riders must be at least 16 years old and posses a valid driver's license or instruction permit. Riders under the age of 18 are required to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. There is a maximum operating speed of 15 mph and they are prohibited to go on sidewalks. 

4. One-Wheel Electric Devices 
CVC Section 313.5 defines electrically motorized boards, including qualifying one-wheel electric devices designed for one-person, with a motor averaging less than 1,000 watts and a maximum motor-powered speed of 20 mph, subject to floorboard size requirements. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and regardless of age must were a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. There is no DMV registration required, however, there a maximum operating speed of 15 mph. One-Wheel devices may be permitted on qualifying roadways with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less, bikeways, sidewalks, and public bicycle paths and trails - subject to applicable state restriction and local regulations. At night, riders are required to wear reflectors and lighting when operating on a public roadway. 

5. Homemade and Modified Motorized Bicycles
These devices often resemble miniature motorcycles or pocket bikes and are homemade or modified using gasoline-powered engines, such as lawn mower motors, or other motorized components. Depending on their design and specifications, they may be classified as motorized bicycles, mopeds, pocket bikes, or other motor vehicles under the California Vehicle Code. Homemade and modified motorized bicycles that qualify as mopeds or other registrable motor vehicles must meet applicable DMV registration and licensing requirements to operate legally on public roadways. Devices classified as pocket bikes cannot be registered with the DMV and are prohibited on public streets, sidewalks, bikeways, recreational trails, and parks.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATION
In recent years, California has adopted several Assembly Bills (AB) and Senate Bills (SB) addressing safety, equipment requirements, modifications, and age restrictions. The following legislation provides context for the Commission's discussion.  

E-Bikes

1. AB 1774 E-Bike Modifications
Effective January 1, 2025, AB 1774 prohibits modifying an e-bike's speed capabilities so that it no longer meets California's legal definition of an e-bike. It also prohibits selling products or devices intended to make these modifications. 

2. AB 1778 Marin County E-Bike Safety Pilot Program
AB 1778 authorizes Marin County and its cities to adopt ordinances prohibiting children under 16 from operating Class 2 e-bikes and requiring helmets for all Class 2 riders. This pilot program expires January 1, 2029.

This authority is specific to Marin County and does not automatically extend to American Canyon. 

3. AB 2234 San Diego County E-Bike Safety Pilot Program
AB 2234 authorizes San Diego County and its Cities to prohibit children under 12 from operating Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes through a local ordinance.

The pilot program expires January 1, 2029. Like Marin County legislation, it does not grant the same authority statewide. 

4. AB 544 E-Bike Lighting and Safety Education
Effective January 1, 2026, AB 544 requires e-bike to have a rear red reflector or qualifying red light during all hours of operation. It also allows minors that are cited for certain e-bike helmet violations to complete an approved e-bike safety course as part of the process for avoiding a fine.

5. AB 545 E-Bike Speed Modification
Effective January 1, 2026, AB 545 expands existing restrictions on e-bike modifications to prohibit selling software applications that can alter an e-bike's speed capabilities so that it no longer meets California's legal definition of an e-bike. 

6. AB 965 Class 3 E-Bike Sales Restrictions 
Effective January 1, 2026, AB 965 prohibits selling Class 3 e-bikes to individuals under 16 years old. Violators are punishable by fines of up to $250. 

7. SB 1271 Battery Safety Standards
Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 1271 establishes battery and electrical safety requirements for e-bikes and other powered mobility devices, including testing and certification standards for products offered for sale. Additional rental-related requirements take effect January 1, 2028.  

E-Scooters and One-Wheel Devices

1. AB 604 Electrically Motorized Boards
Effective January 1, 2016, AB 604 established the legal definition and operating requirements for electrically motorized boards, including qualifying one-wheel devices. The legislation addresses age restrictions, helmet requirements, operating speeds, permitted locations, and local authority to regulate their use. 

2. AB 2989 E-Scooters Safety and Local Authority

Effective January 1, 2019, AB 2989 changed helmet requirements so that only riders under 18 must wear helmets. It also authorizes cities to permit e-scooters on certain roads with speed limits up to 35 mph while maintaining the scooters' maximum operating speed of 15 mph. 

AMERICAN CANYON MUNICIPAL CODE - TRAIL RULES & REGULATIONS

The City of American Canyon has established trails rules and regulations under Municipal Code Section (ACMC) 12.04.220 to promote safety and responsible use of bicycles on City trails. This section includes, but is not limited to: 

• bicyclist must yield to pedestrians and horses;
• bicycle use is limited to designated trails, and off-trail riding is prohibited;
• bicyclists must obey posted speed limits; 
  
• bicyclists must maintain control and speed of their bicycle at all times; 
• bicyclists must comply with California's bicycle helmet requirements. 

Additionally, ACMC 12.04.110 restricts the operation of bicycles, motorcycles, motor scooters, and other vehicles within City parks, open spaces, and recreational areas unless otherwise authorized by City staff. 

PREVIOUS OSATS WORK FY2025/26
As part of OSATS Fiscal Year 2025/26 Work Plan, the Commission reviewed existing trails rules and regulations and potential bicycle speed limits on City shared-use paths and trails at its August 6, 2025 meeting. Following the review and discussion, the Commission decided not to pursue a bicycle speed limit on City shared-use paths and trails. 

CONSIDERATIONS

The regulation and enforcement of e-bikes and other micro mobility devices is an emerging issue throughout California. Before considering additional regulations here in American Canyon, staff recommends further evaluation of the following: 

• Enforcement: Coordinate with the American Canyon Police Department to understand current enforcement challenges, existing laws, and the feasibility of enforcing additional local regulations.
  
  
• Education and Outreach: Collaborate with American Canyon schools to promote safety education for minors using these devices. Parents and guardians play an important role in determining which devices are appropriate for their children and ensuring they understand applicable laws and safety requirements. 
  
  
• Research: Review how other California jurisdictions are addressing these issues, particularly Marin and San Diego Counties, which have implemented e-bike safety pilot programs. 
  
  
• State Legislation: Continue monitoring California legislation and potential changes to e-bike classifications and regulations before determining whether additional local regulations are warranted. 

A key consideration is that under California law, e-bikes are classified as bicycles. This classification is part of an ongoing statewide discussion regarding regulation, safety, and enforcement. Given the evolving legislative landscape, staff recommends continuing to monitor state legislation, research approaches taken by other California jurisdictions, and coordinate with the American Canyon Police Department and local schools before determining whether to pursue an ordinance.

NEXT STEPS
Staff will gather feedback from both Commissions, continue monitoring state legislation, research approaches taken by other California jurisdictions, and coordinate with the American Canyon Police Department and local schools to inform future discussions.

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