Electric Bikes and Scooters

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Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are becoming more popular. They make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to ride farther and enjoy the outdoors with the help of an electric motor.

Before you ride on Walnut Creek’s bike paths or city streets, make sure you:

Know California Bike and Scooter Laws
Understand what is allowed based on your age
Follow safety tips to help protect yourself and others

Vehicle Classes and Requirements

The same rules of the road apply e-bikes that apply to human-powered bicycles. E-bikes do not need registration, licensing or insurance like a car or motorcycle. Each type has its own rules for speed, age, and equipment.

New California E-Bike Safety Law

Starting in 2026, California law requires all electric bicycles to be equipped at all times (day and night) with a red rear reflector or a red rear light that’s visible from about 500 feet. This update is intended to improve rider visibility and safety on streets and bike paths.

For riders under 18, helmet violations may be cleared by completing an approved e-bike safety course and showing proof of a properly fitted helmet.

View the full law (Assembly Bill 544)

Class 1 E-bike

Rider Requirement

No minimum age
No driver's license
Helmet required for those under 18 years old

Where You Can Ride

Bike lanes
Vehicle lanes where no bike lanes are present
Open Space and park trails where regular bikes are permitted
Prohibited on sidewalks unless otherwise specified

Regulation Rules

Maximum speed 20 mph
Maximum speed 15 mph in Walnut Creek Open Space
Pedal assist only

Class 2 E-bike

Rider Requirement

No minimum age
No driver's license
Helmet required for those under 18 years old

Where You Can Ride

Bike lanes
Vehicle lanes where no bike lanes are present
Open Space and park trails where regular bikes are permitted
Prohibited on sidewalks unless otherwise specified

Regulation Rules

Maximum speed 20 mph
Maximum speed 15 mph in Walnut Creek Open Space
Pedal and throttle assist

Class 3 E-bike

Rider Requirement

Minimum age 16 years
No driver's license
Helmet required for all ages

Where You Can Ride

Bike lanes
Vehicle lanes
Prohibited on sidewalks unless otherwise specified
Prohibited on Open Space and on City maintained trails

Regulation Rules

Maximum speed 28 mph
Pedal assist
Riders cannot transport passengers

Scooter

E-scooters

Rider Requirement

Valid driver's license or permit
Helmet required for those under 18 years old

Where You Can Ride

Bike lanes
Vehicle lanes
Prohibited in Walnut Creek Open Space and on City maintained trails

Riding Rules

Maximum speed of 15 mph
Only one rider at a time

moped

E-mopeds & E-motorcycles

Rider Requirement

M1 or M2 driver's license or permit required
Vehicle must be registered with the state
Helmet required for all ages

Where You Can Ride

Vehicle lanes only
Prohibited in Walnut Creek Open Space and on City maintained trails

Riding Rules

Maximum speed of 30 mph

dirt bike

E-dirt bike/Off-highway vehicle

Rider Requirements

No driver's license to ride in permitted off road areas
Off-highway vehicle registration required with the state
Helmet required for all ages

Where You Can Ride

May be used in State Vehicular Recreation Areas and National Forests
Prohibited in the Walnut Creek Open Space and on City maintained trails
Prohibited on public roads, unless the vehicle was manufactured for dual purpose and converted to meet the registration requirements as a regular motorcycle. M1 or M2 driver's license or permit is also required to ride on public roads.

Riding Rules

Maximum speed varies

Which class? How fast? What age?
California law defines different types of electric bikes and scooters. Each type has its own rules for speed, age, and equipment.

Here are the basic definitions and requirements.

E-Bike Chart Courtesy of People for Bikes

Vehicle Type	Max Speed	Requirements
E-Scooter CVC §21235	15 mph	Driver's license or permit required No registration required Helmet required for those under 18 years of age
Class 1 E-Bike CVC §312.5(a)(1)	20 mph (pedal assist only)	No driver's license or permit required No registration required Helmet required for those under 18 years of age
Class 2 E-Bike CVC §312.5(a)(2)	20 mph (throttle or pedal assist)	No driver's license or permit required No registration required Helmet required for those under 18 years of age
Class 3 E-Bike CVC §21213(a)	28 mph (pedal assist only)	Driver's license or permit required No registration required Helmet required for all
Motorized Bicycle/Moped CVC §406, CVC §12804.9	Up to 30 mph	M1 or M2 driver's license or permit required Registration required with the state Helmet required for all
Motor-Driven Cycle CVC §405	>30 mph & <60 mph	M1 driver's license or permit required Registration required with the state Helmet required for all
Dirt Bike/Off-Highway Vehicle CVC §38010	Varies	No driver's license or permit required Off-highway vehicle registration required with the state Helmet required for all

New California E-Bike Safety Law

For riders under 18, helmet violations may be cleared by completing an approved e-bike safety course and showing proof of a properly fitted helmet.

View the full law (Assembly Bill 544)

Bike modification

It is against the law in California to modify or tamper with electric bicycles in a way that changes the speed capability, unless the rider also changes the bike's labeled classification. Electric bikes with motors of more than 750 watts, and bicycles with gas motors, are technically motorcycles and require a Class M license, vehicle registration, insurance, and a minimum age requirement.

Rules of the road

Everyone on a bicycle or e-bike must follow the same traffic laws as people driving cars. If you don’t follow the rules, you can get a ticket and be fined under California law.

Traffic lights, signs, and signals apply to all road users. Weaving in and out of traffic is prohibited.
Cyclists must ride to the right edge of the road in the same direction as vehicle traffic. Riding against the flow of traffic is prohibited.
Cyclists must yield the right-of-way to any and all pedestrians on City sidewalks.
When a bicycle lane is available, bicyclists are required to use the bike lane unless they are traveling as fast as traffic.
It is illegal to carry passengers on your electric bicycle unless your bike has an extra permanent seat or when using a child safety seat.
Always wear a properly-fitted bicycle helmet with the chin strap securely fastened.

E-bike FAQ

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Can I modify my e-bike
It is against the law in California to modify or tamper with electric bicycles in a way that changes the speed capability, unless the rider also changes the bike's labelled classification. Electric bikes with motors of more than 750 watts, and bicycles with gas motors, are technically motorcycles and require a Class M license, vehicle registration, insurance, and a minimum age requirement.
Do I need to signal when turning on an e-bike or scooter?
Yes. Riders should use hand signals just like bicyclists and drivers. This includes signaling for turns and lane changes.
What’s the speed limit for e-scooters and e-bikes?
- E-scooters: Maximum speed is 15 mph under state law (CVC §22411)
- Class 1 & 2 e-bikes: Assist cuts off at 20 mph (CVC §312.5(a)(1)-(2))
- Class 3 e-bikes: Assist allowed up to 28 mph, and the bike must be equipped with a speedometer (CVC §312.5(a)(3))
Can I ride an e-bike or e-scooter on the Iron Horse Trail?
Always check for posted signage, as local jurisdictions might have additional rules. Visit East Bay Parks for more information.
- Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist only) are permitted on all trails where regular bikes are allowed.
- Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on paved regional trails.
- Class 3 e-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on most multi-use trails.
Can I ride an e-bike or e-scooter in Walnut Creek Open Space?
Allowed in the Open Space and on City maintained trails
In all cases, riders must obey the 15 mph speed, slow for others, ring a bell or call out well before passing, and stay on designated trails in the Open Space.
- Class 1 e‑bikes (pedal‑assist only) are allowed anywhere conventional bikes are permitted, both on paved and natural‑surface trails.
- Class 2 e‑bikes (throttle or pedal‑assist) are allowed anywhere conventional bikes are permitted, both on paved and natural‑surface trails.
Prohibited in the Open Space and on City maintained trails
- Class 3 e‑bikes are not allowed on park trails.
- E-motorcycles, e-dirt bikes, e-mopeds, e-scooters, and e-skateboards are not allowed on park trails.
Are helmets required?
- Riders under 18 (any class e-bike or scooter): Must wear a helmet (CVC §21212(a))
- Class 3 e-bike riders (any age): Helmets are required for all riders, regardless of age (CVC §21213(b))
- E-scooter riders under 18: Must wear a helmet (CVC §21235(c))
- Moped and motor-driven cycle riders: Helmets are always required, no exceptions (CVC §27803(a))
What happens if I break the rules?
If you violate state or local laws such as speeding, riding on sidewalks, or riding without a license, you may get a ticket, pay a fine, or even have your bike impounded. The Walnut Creek Police Department enforces these rules to keep everyone safe.
Can kids ride e-bikes or scooters?
E-bikes:

Class 1 & 2: No minimum age by law, but children should be knowledgeable of the rules of the road

Class 3: Minimum age is 16 (CVC §21213(a))

E-scooters:

Riders must be old enough to obtain a driver’s permit or license
Do I need a license to ride?
E-bikes:
- Class 1 & 2: No license required
- Class 3: Riders must be at least 16, but no license is required (CVC §21213(a))
E-scooters:

Yes, you must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit to operate an e-scooter in California (CVC §21235(d))

Contact

For questions or to share helpful feedback email: Community@walnutcreekca.gov

City of Walnut Creek

Electric Bikes and Scooters

Vehicle Classes and Requirements

New California E-Bike Safety Law

Where You Can Ride

Regulation Rules

Where You Can Ride

Regulation Rules

Rider Requirement

Where You Can Ride

Regulation Rules

Rider Requirement

Where You Can Ride

Riding Rules

E-mopeds & E-motorcycles

Rider Requirement

Where You Can Ride

Riding Rules

E-dirt bike/Off-highway vehicle

Rider Requirements

Where You Can Ride

Riding Rules

Resources

California E-Bike Incentive Project Training Course

CHP Safety Training Course

New California E-Bike Safety Law

Bike modification

Rules of the road

E-bike FAQ

Can I modify my e-bike

Do I need to signal when turning on an e-bike or scooter?

What’s the speed limit for e-scooters and e-bikes?

Can I ride an e-bike or e-scooter on the Iron Horse Trail?

Can I ride an e-bike or e-scooter in Walnut Creek Open Space?

Are helmets required?

What happens if I break the rules?

Can kids ride e-bikes or scooters?

Do I need a license to ride?

Contact