The San Rafael Police Department is seeing more violations and incidents involving electric motorcycles being driven by unlicensed juveniles.  The electric motorcycles shown in these pictures are not E-bikes and are not street legal.  They were impounded after an incident occurred at the Northgate Mall in Terra Linda involving unlicensed juveniles.

These electric motorcycles are subject to impoundment if found operating on public streets, highways, and public parking facilities.  Unlicensed juveniles operating electric motorcycles are subject to citation for driving a vehicle while unlicensed and outside of a motorcycle endorsement.

Important Information about E-bikes and electric motorcycles: 

E-Bike (312.5(a) CVC):

• 3 Classes of E-bike
• Class 1 and 2 are 750 watts or less of power, max speed 20 MPH.
• Class 3 is 750 watts or less power, max speed of 28 MPH – Rider must be 16 years old or older.
• All classes of e-bikes must have fully operable bicycle pedals.
• Exempt from registration, license plate, and insurance requirements

Motorized Bicycles and Mopeds (406(a) CVC):

• Cannot exceed 30 MPH
• Still must have pedals for human propulsion
• Does not have to have pedals if powered by electric energy only.
• Operator must have a driver’s license with M1 or M2 endorsement
• DOT helmet is required to operate
• DMV registration specific to mopeds is required.

Motorcycle / Electric Motorcycle (400(a) CVC):

• A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels.
• Not limited to speed requirements of e-bikes, mopeds, and motorized motorcycles
• Operator must have a driver’s license with M1 or M2 endorsement
• DOT helmet required to operate
• To be legally used on street or highway – must have required mechanical equipment (headlights, taillights, brake light, signals, mirrors, horn, license plate holder)
• Subject to standard vehicle registration if it has street-legal mechanical equipment.
• If not street legal (does not have required equipment), then it can be registered as an off-highway vehicle (OHV).
• OHV cannot be operated on public streets, highways, or off-street public parking facilities. 

Parents should educate themselves on the laws about electric motorcycles and e-bikes by going to the California DMV’s website at: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/motorcycle-handbook/two-wheel-vehicle-operation/ 

The City of San Rafael and Marin County also have local laws regarding E-bikes.  Find out more: https://www.marincounty.gov/departments/cda/sustainability/electrify-marin/electric-transportation/micromobility/e-bike-laws-know

The San Rafael Police Department wants parents and our youth to be educated, safe, and responsible when it comes to E-bikes and electric motorcycles.   Let’s work together to avoid dangerous behavior and incidents.

To report dangerous and reckless driving behavior, call San Rafael Police at (415) 485-3000. Tips can also be made online at http://www.srpd.org/tips.