Consumer Advisory: Is it an e-bike—or something else?

Heads-up to Californians who are shopping for a legitimate e-bike. Be careful not to be misled by a seller who may be falsely advertising or promoting other products, e.g., electric motorcycles, as e-bikes.

California State Parks provided some clarification in an April 22, 2024 information bulletin. Below is an excerpt. For additional information, please refer to the source document “OFF-HIGHWAY MOTOR VEHICLE INFORMATION BULLETIN FOR CALIFORNIA LAW ENFORCEMENT.”

Included on page 4 of the 4-page bulletin is a helpful Classification Chart. The chart shows differences in a bicycle; e-bike (Class 1, 2, and 3); moped motorized bicycle; motorized scooter; and off-highway electric motorcycle. https://ohv.parks.ca.gov/pages/1234/files/OHMVR%20Electric%20Off-Highway%20Motorcycle%20Bulletin%20Volume%2024%20Number%201-Final.pdf

The California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division had “received numerous inquiries regarding electric off-highway motorcycles sold from manufacturers including Sur-Ron, Talaria, Segway, and E Ride Pro. These electric off-highway motorcycles are often inaccurately referred to as electrical bicycles, commonly called “E-Bikes” and have often been sold and advertised by retailers as such. These vehicles are off-highway motorcycles and meet the California vehicle code definition of CVC§ 400 and CVC §436. These off-highway motorcycles do NOT meet the definition of Electric Bicycle (CVC §312.5) or Motorized Bicycle or MOPED (CVC §406). Electric motorcycles that do not meet all necessary requirements of electric bicycle (CVC §312.5) or motorized bicycle, commonly referred to as a MOPED (CVC §406) will generally default to the classification of off-highway motorcycle (CVC §436).”

What is an e-bike?

As highlighted in our post on “Regulations for E-Bikes,” here’s a summary from the California Bicycle Coalition: “What Is an E-Bike? A Guide to California E-Bike Classifications” https://www.calbike.org/california-e-bike-classifications/.

When riding an e-bike, where can you ride?

As our “Regulations for E-Bikes” post says, regulations about e-bikes are still in a state of flux around the United States. Misinformation and confusion abound. It’s advisable to take personal responsibility for researching what the regulations are where you ride. 

Among signs around Monterey County are the signs below, posted in the City of Monterey in recent years. Similar signage may exist where you ride—or not. When in doubt, check with local officials.

Thank you to Ross Pringle of Claremont Streets for People for bringing the above-referenced California State Parks bulletin to our attention.