What Classifies as a Bicycle?

• Any device that a person may ride
• It is propelled exclusively by human power
• Through belts, chains, or gears
• Has at least one wheel

California Vehicle Code 231: A bicycle is a device upon which a person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power, except as provided in Section 312.5, through a belt, chain, or gears, and having one or more wheels. A person riding a bicycle is subject to the provisions of this code specified in Sections 21200 and 21200.5. An electric bicycle is a bicycle.

What is an E-Bike?

• Bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals
• An electric motor with less than 750 watts
• Class 1: Pedal Assist Motor with a max speed of 20 MPH
• Class 2: Throttle Assist Motor with a max speed of 20 MPH
• Class 3: Speed Pedal-Assisted with a max speed of 28 MPH

California Vehicle Code 312.5: An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

What Laws Apply to Bicycles/ E-Bikes?

CVC 21200(a) regulates bicycles and their operation.

• Bicycles and E-Bikes must follow the rules of the road when operating
  on the roadway.
• Bicycles can operate on the sidewalk unless a Municipal Code prohibits
  it.
• The City of Fullerton Municipal Code does not restrict bicycles from
  operating on the sidewalks.

Helmet Laws for Bicycles/ E-Bikes

• Juveniles must wear a helmet when riding CVC 21212
• All riders of Class 3 E-Bikes must wear a helmet. CVC 21213(a): A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle.

It is always recommended to wear a helmet anytime you are riding a bicycle or e-bike!

Other Electric Transportation Options

E-Scooters

• Must follow the rules of the road
• Restricted to streets with 25 MPH Speed Limit or Class II or IV Bikeway with 35 MPH Speed Limit
• Max Speed of 15 MPH
• Must use the bicycle lane
• Under 18 must have a helmet
• Requires Driver’s License or Permit

Other Electric Transportation Options

• EPAMD- Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device
• Must wear a helmet
• Restricted to streets with 35MPH Speed Limit or less unless operated entirely within Class II or IV Bikeway
• Max Speed no greater than reasonable or prudent and does not endanger the safety of person or property
• Must be 16 years or older to ride

Off Off-highway Electric Motorcycles

E-Motorcycles

• Illegal on any highway
• Meet the qualifications for motorcycles and must be equipped properly
• Parents who knowingly permit their child to ride on the street may be cited
• Can be towed

Reference: CVC 400& 405, CVC 4000(a)(1), CVC 12500(a),

CVC 14607: No person shall cause or knowingly permit his child, ward, or employee under the age of 18 years to drive a motor vehicle on the highways unless such child, ward, or employee is then licensed under this code.

 CVC 22651(o)(1): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=22651

CVC 22651(p): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=22651.

Fullerton PD Statistics for Bicycles

• 100 Bicycles were reported stolen in Fullerton from 6/1/2023 to 6/1/2024
• Fullerton had 26 collisions involving bicycles this year
• 24 were injury collisions
• 2 were non-injury collisions
• Last year, Fullerton had 49 collisions involving bicycles
• 1 was fatal
• 46 were injury collisions
• 1 was non-injury