eBike has no pedal requirements in California

[jussumguy]

So I'm researching how to get a scooter registered in Ca. cuz I was considering getting a mini chopper rolling chassis and electrifying it. In the process I run across this on eBikes.

Full application here --> http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg230.pdf

and here's the handbook --> http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/dl665mcycle.pdf

If I'm wrong, let me know. But the rest of the application seems pretty clear to me.

-

 

[John in CR]

Interesting. 1500W limit is better than the 1000W I thought. It sucks for the guys running Stoke Monkey type rigs to tackle the hills in San Fran though, since running through a derailleur isn't an automatic transmission. Just don't tell Chalo and Punx0r that those guys are more outlaw than I am. :lol:

 

[dogman dan]

The way I read it, ansewering no means you are not a motorized bicycle.

So your thread title is backwards. There is a pedal requirement.

Edit, duh, I get it.

 

[amberwolf]

It does say "or" on that seciton, so you don't ahve to have pedals that work, if it is electric. It can't be a gas engine, or steam, or pulse-jet, but if it's electric you'd still answer Yes to question 2.

 

[jussumguy]

An all electric powered bicycle DOES NOT require pedal power. Gas powered bicycles require pedal assistance. Electric... NO

 

[Rassy]

California has defined two classes of electric bicycles. The higher power moped class that doesn't get to be used where regular pedal bikes are used, and the lower power bicycle class that can be used on multi-purpose trails, etc. Since they are both called "motorized bicycle" it gets confusing, so you always have to read other sections, etc. in context. There is more detail about helmets, ages, etc. in other sections.

SECTION 1. Section 406 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
406. (a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device ... and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.
(b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
(2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on ground level.
(3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than 20 miles per hour.

 

[jussumguy]

If you fill out that form, answering truthfully, pay the fee, your bike becomes a scooter with no pedals required.

 

[Lemlux]

If you register to be a 30-mph section 406.(a) moped you need a one-time license plate purchase of $18. The application forms want a VIN number which is hard to provide when you've built your own bike.

Also drivers of 406.(a) mopeds are required to have:

1. either a M2 (requires a test only) or a M1 drivers license endorsement (requires test and motorcycle drivers test), and

2. must establish "financial responsibility" i.e.; have insurance. I've checked around a couple of times and haven't been able to find a motorcycle insurer who is willing to offer coverage on a 30mph moped.

Accordingly, I drive my pedaled bike as a 406.(b) 20mph bike and am careful where I go up to or beyond 30mph.

 

[veloman]

I've been becoming less worried about getting stopped for sensible riding in the 20-30mph range on my ebike, here in TX.

I've passed cops going near 30mph and they never turn their head to look.

Do some pedal strokes and it really makes them not care, I would think.


If I followed the law to a T, transportation would suck, and it'd be more dangerous.

 

[cal3thousand]

I've been becoming less worried about getting stopped for sensible riding in the 20-30mph range on my ebike, here in TX.

I've passed cops going near 30mph and they never turn their head to look.

Do some pedal strokes and it really makes them not care, I would think.


If I followed the law to a T, transportation would suck, and it'd be more dangerous.

Yeah,

If I'm not pedaling and going over 20, I feel that I get attention. But a couple ghost pedals and 30 mph still looks legit from a car.

 

[HAROX]

.

 

[The fingers]

I ghost pedal at 20 if I see a cop. They're hostile to all bicycles in this area.