Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum age to legally ride an electric scooter is 16 with a driver's permit or license.

Helmets are required to be worn by anyone under the age of 18. Helmets are strongly encouraged for individuals 18 and over.

Yes, bicyclists must obey stop signs and red signal lights. 

Bicycle lanes are sometimes painted a bright green color to increase visibility and driver awareness.

An E-bike is an electric bicycle, which is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. The maximum speed of an E-bike is 20 MPH for Type 1 and Type 2 and 28 MPH for Type 3.

See the chart below for an explanation of the three classes of E-bikes and how they compare to bicycles and mopeds.

	VEHICLE SPECS		USER REQUIREMENTS
VEHICLE TYPE	PEDAL OPERATED	MAXIMUM MOTOR-ASSISTED SPEED (MPH)	MINIMUM AGE (YEARS)	DRIVER'S LICENSE	LICENSE PLATE	HELMET
BICYCLE	YES	N/A	N/A	NO	NO	17 & UNDER
TYPE 1 E-BIKE	YES	20	N/A	NO	NO	17 & UNDER
TYPE 2 E-BIKE	NO	20	N/A	NO	NO	17 & UNDER
TYPE 3 E-BIKE	YES	28	16	YES	YES	YES
MOPED	NO	N/A	16	YES	YES	YES

Yes, per the California Vehicle Code section 21212(a), all bike riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding a bike. However, when riding a Class 3 E-bike, all riders must wear a helmet regardless of their age.

Pocket Bikes can only be ridden on private property. They can not be ridden in parks, on school property, or on trails, roads, or sidewalks. Failure to comply with the law may result in the bike being impounded. 

Pocket bikes are small motorcycles powered by 40-49cc gasoline engines or electric motors. Pocket bikes meet the definition of a motorcycle as defined by California Vehicle Code 400(a).

Motorized Scooters (With or Without a Seat)

• Driver's license or permit is required
• Properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet is required
• Cannot exceed 15 mph
• Ride in the bike lane, not on the sidewalk
• Ride in the direction of vehicle traffic
• Wear close-toed shoes, reflective gear, and don't text or wear earbuds while riding
• Obey all the rules of the road

More Information

Motorized Bicycles / Mopeds (With or Without Pedals, with an Automatic Transmission)

• Capable of up to 30 mph
• Motorcycle license is required
• DOT-certified motorcycle helmet is required
• Cannot exceed 20 mph
• Insurance might not cover crashes
• (Capable of no more than 20 mph, less than 1000 watt output)
• Rider must be at least 16 years old
• Properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet is required

Electric Bicycle Definition and Class Characteristics

Motorized Bicycle Definition

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 and be at least 16 years old to operate an e-scooter in California (CVC §21235(d))

• 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 16 years of age and obtain a driver’s permit or license

Violating California or local laws (e.g., speeding, riding on sidewalks, riding without a license) can result in citations, fines, and in some cases, impoundment of the device. Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Officers can and will enforce these rules for public safety.

Yes. Riders should be proficient in the use of hand signals, just like bicyclists and drivers. This includes knowledge of the signals for turns and lane changes.

• 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

Yes. Riders should use hand signals just like bicyclists and drivers. This includes signaling for turns and lane changes.