Use of Electric Motorcycles and Similar on Public RoadwaysUse of Motorcycles, Scooters, Mopeds, Electric
Bicycles, and Similar Devices on Public Roadways.
Motor Officer C. Ivans/ #1515
civans@orangepd.org
TRUST CARE COMMITMENT
What is a Vehicle?
•CVC 670 -A “vehicle” is a device by which any person or property may be
propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway, except a device moved
exclusively by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or
tracks.
•CVC 415 -(a)A “motor vehicle” is a vehicle that is self-propelled.
(b)“Motor vehicle” does not include a self-propelled wheelchair,
motorized tricycle, or motorized quadricycle, if operated by a person
who, by reason of physical disability, is otherwise unable to move
about as a pedestrian.
(c)For purposes of Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 3000) of
Division 2, “motor vehicle” includes a recreational vehicle as that
term is defined in subdivision (a) of Section 18010 of the Health and
Safety Code, but does not include a truck camper.
What is the CVC Definition of Electric
Vehicle?
•CVC ???
What is an Electric Vehicle?
•There is no CVC definition of “Electric Vehicle” which means it falls
under the same definition as “Vehicle” under CVC 670.
What's the difference.
Zero SR/S
Acceleration: 0-60mph less than 3.5 seconds
Top speed: 124 mph
Tesla Model 3
Acceleration: 0-60mph 4.2 seconds
Top speed: 145 mph
What's the difference.
Zero SR/S
Acceleration: 0-60 mph less than 3.5 seconds
Top speed: 124 mph
Sur-Ron X
Acceleration: 0-60 mph approx. 6.8 seconds
Top Speed: 47 –75 mph Recent modifications allow for operation up to
100 mph.
What's the difference.
Sur-Ron X
Acceleration: 0-60 mph approx. 6.8 seconds
Top Speed: 47 –75 mph. Recent modifications allow for operation up to
100 mph.
KTM 150 SX
Acceleration: 0-60 mph approx. 8.9 seconds
Top Speed: 73 mph
5 Classes of “Cycle’s”
1.) Motorcycle
2.) Motor-Driven Cycle
3.) Moped/ Motorized Bicycle
4.) Bicycle
5.) Electric Bicycle
6.) Motorized Scooters
5 Classes of “Cycle’s”
1.) Motorcycle
2.) Motor-Driven Cycle
3.) Moped/ Motorized Bicycle
4.) Bicycle
5.) Electric Bicycle
6.) Motorized Scooters
- NOT a “Cycle” but
equally important…
5 Classes of “Cycle’s”
1.) Motorcycle
2.) Motor-Driven Cycle
3.) Moped/ Motorized Bicycle
4.) Bicycle
5.) Electric Bicycle
6.) Motorized Scooters
5 Classes of “Cycle’s”
1.) Motorcycle
2.) Motor-Driven Cycle
3.) Moped/ Motorized Bicycle
4.) Bicycle
5.) Electric Bicycle
6.) Motorized Scooters
5 Classes of “Cycle’s”
1.) Motorcycle
2.) Motor-Driven Cycle
3.) Moped/ Motorized Bicycle
4.) Bicycle
5.) Electric Bicycle
6.) Motorized Scooters
WHAT IS A MOTORCYCLE?
CVC section 400 defines a motorcycle as:
•A vehicle whose motor displaces 150 cubic centimeters (CC’s) or more
•Has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider
•Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with
the ground.
•NOTE: Can be powered by electric motor, speed is the most important
factor to determine class. Watts (POWER) comes in close second.
WHAT IS A MOTOR-DRIVEN CYCLE?
CVC section 405 defines a motor-driven cycle as:
•Any motorcycle with a motor that displaces less than 150cc.
•A motor-driven cycle does not include a motorized bicycle as defined
in section 406.
•NOTE: Most 150 cc engines can reach speeds of 40 to 70 mph.
•NOTE: Can be powered by electric motor.
•CVC is same as Motorcycle including license, registration, insurance,
and rules of the road requirements.
WHAT IS A POCKET BIKE?
•Is considered a motor-driven cycle, but is not permitted on public
roadways, bicycle paths, sidewalks, bikeways or recreational trails.
CVC 21720.
•It is designed and built for use on paved close circuit track for racing
competitions.
•CVC 24002 –Unlawful to operate any vehicle which is in an unsafe
condition which presents an immediate safety hazard.
WHAT IS A MOPED/MOTORIZED BICYCLE?
CVC section 406(a)define a moped or motorized bicycle as:
•“Motorized Bicycle” or “Moped” is any two or three wheeled device
having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or
having no petals if powered solely by electrical energy, has an
automatic transmission, a motor that produces less than 4 HP, and is
capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more
than 30 mph.
WHAT IS A BICYCLE?
CVC sections 231 and 39000 defines a bicycle as:
•Any device upon which a person may ride, which is propelled by
human power
•Through a system of belts, chains or gears
•Having either two or three wheels (one of which is at least 20 inches
in diameter), or having four or more wheels.
WHAT IS AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE?
•CVC section 312.5 defines an electric bicycle:
•“Electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operative pedals and an
electric motor of less than 750 watts.
•Class 1: “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle” max assist speed 20
mph.
•Class 2: “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle” max throttle speed 20
mph.
•Class 3: “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle” max speed assist 28 mph.
Must be equipped with a speedometer. Must be 16 year of age or older to
operate. Has no throttle. Bicycle helmet required at any age.
WHAT IS A MOTORIZED SCOOTER?
CVC section 407.5 defines a motorized scooter as:
•A two wheeled device that has handlebars
•Is designed to be stood upon by operator, can have seat.
•Is powered by either electric or gas motor
Unique Motorized Scooter restrictions
CVC 21235(b) -Restricted to 25 mph roadway,
Class II or Class IV bike lanes.
Class II -Standard Bike Lanes (Class II) are lanes for bicyclists adjacent to the outer
vehicle travel lanes. These lanes have special lane markings, pavement legends, and
signage. Bicycle lanes are generally five (5) feet wide. Bike lanes can be enhanced with
green paint or a buffer. Adjacent vehicle parking and vehicle/pedestrian cross-flow are
permitted.
Unique Motorized Scooter restrictions
CVC 21229 –Must ride in Class II bike lane when
established.
Class IV -Cycle Tracks (Class IV) provide a right-of-way designated exclusively for bicycle travel
within a roadway and which are protected from other vehicle traffic with devices, including, but
not limited to, grade separation, flexible posts, inflexible physical barriers, or parked cars.
Off Road Use
CVC section 38012(b)(1)defines “off highway motor vehicles” to include, but
is not limited to:
•A motorcycle, or motor-driven cycle.
NOTE:For registration requirements and license plates. What is the rider’s
intention? Does the vehicle have proper lighting equipment to operate on a
public roadway?
•CVC 38026.5(b)–Operate off-highway vehicle on public roadway.
•OMC 12.48.070(A)–No Motor vehicles or Motorized Bicycles on Bike Trail.
How to make a dirt bike California Street
Legal
•MUST meet California emissions standards: EPA Sticker from manufacturer
or CARB permit.
•MUST have following Equipment:
•Headlight(s) (CVC 25650.5)
•Tail lights/ Stop lamps (CVC 24600/ 24603)
•Blinkers (CVC 24951)
•Mirrors (CVC 26709)
•Reflectors (CVC 24607, 24608, 24609)
•Horn (CVC 27000)
•License plate mount/ light (CVC 24601)
•Speedometer
•DOT approved tires (CVC 27451)
•DOT approved exhaust (CVC 27150)
•License plate (CVC 5200)
EV and DUI
•CVC 23152
•Motorcycle
•Motor-Driven Cycle
•Moped/ Motorized Bicycle
•CVC 21200.5
•Bicycle
•Electric Bicycle
•CVC 21221.5
•Motorized Scooter
Motorcycle Motor-Driven
Cycle
Moped/
Motorized
Bicycle
Electric Bicycle Bicycle Motorized
Scooter
Speed
Limitations
-------------------
CC or Watt
Limitations
None.
-------------------
<150 CC Engine
Unl. Watts
40-70 mph
-------------------
>150 CC Engine
<750 Watts
30 mph
----------------------
>60 CC Engine
<750 Watts
Class 1: 20 mph
Class 2:20 mph
Class 3: 28 mph
------------------------
750 Watts
None.
---------------------
N/A
15 mph
-----------------------
Not Specified
Engine/Motor
Type
Gas or Electric Gas or Electric Gas or Electric Electric and
Human Powered
Human
Powered
Gas or Electric
Registration/
License plate
required
Yes Yes Yes No*No*No
VIN or S/N VIN VIN VIN S/N S/N S/N
Minimum
License
Requirements
CM1 CM1 CM2 None None C
CVC Sections Same as Vehicle Same as Vehicle Same as Vehicle/
some Bicycle
Sections.
Same as Bicycle Specific Bicycle
Sections
Specific Scooter
Sections
QUESTIONS?