Tag: electric motorcycles

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department announced on November 22 that they impounded three illegal electric motorcycles this week. The BHPD highlighted the differences:

E-Bikes (CVC 312.5):

• Must have operable pedals.
• Limited to speeds of 20–28 mph (depending on the class) and its motor not exceeding 750W.
• No DMV registration or motorcycle license required.

Electric Motorcycles:

• No pedals? It’s not an e-bike.
• Speeds over 28 mph = requires DMV registration and a motorcycle license.
• Must have insurance.

Authorities are warning parents to be aware before they buy to double-check the laws. These vehicles are powerful and, if misused, dangerous.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Tuesday, November 19, an important safety message about kids using electric bikes/motorcycles in the community from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Deputies.

Surron and Talaria (and others) are commonly operated by children and teens in our communities. These vehicles are electric motorcycles, not E-Bicycles as defined in CVC 312.5. These vehicles are intended for off-highway use and must be registered with the California DMV as an off-highway vehicle (OHV).

To operate an electric motorcycle on a public roadway and to make it “street legal,” riders must have a valid driver license with a class M1 endorsement. The vehicle must be registered with the DMV, properly display a license plate, and have proper safety equipment such as a brake light, headlight and turn signals. This can be accomplished following a DMV inspection of your vehicle. Riders must also have liability insurance and a DOT approved helmet.

Violators are subject to citation and removal of such vehicle. Parents with children under 18 are also subject to citation per CVC 14607. For more details, contact the Malibu/Lost Hills Station Traffic office or the Community Relations Team at (818) 878-1808.

By Trevor