Electric motor bikes such as Sur Ron, Talaria XXX, and similar electric motor bikes are designed primarily for off-road use. These motor bikes do not fit any of the electric bicycle classes and are considered “out of class electric vehicles” and are not street legal. The use of these out of class electric motor bikes in public are subject to confiscation and impound. The rider can be cited and fined for riding an out of class electric vehicle.
The only electric bicycles that can be ridden in public are Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bicycles. If the electric bicycle does not fall within these classifications, it is considered an “out of class electric vehicle”. Please refer to the following definitions to determine if your electric bicycle is street legal.
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a fully operable pedal and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, and is categorized by the following:
1. Class 1 electric bicycle is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
2. Class 2 electric bicycle is equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
3. Class 3 electric bicycle is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour. This bicycle is equipped with a speedometer.
Commander Ritchie Lew
Traffic Bureau
(805) 583-6960
[email protected]
