E- Bike and E-Scooter FAQ

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))

• 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

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. Town of Danville police enforce these rules for public safety.

No. The Town of Danville cannot ban e-bikes or e-scooters from public streets or roadways because state law classifies them as legal vehicles with a right to use the road, just like bicycles. California Vehicle Code (CVC) defines where and how e-bikes and e-scooters can be operated statewide. Local jurisdictions may regulate their use on certain paths, sidewalks, or trails, but they cannot pass ordinances that override or contradict the state’s vehicle code. (CVC §21207.5, CVC §21230)

• 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))

No. Danville prohibits riding e-bikes, e-scooters, and any motorized vehicles on sidewalks in downtown and commercial areas (Danville Municipal Code 4-19.2). This is also prohibited by California law for e-scooters (CVC §21235(g)).

• Class 1 & 2 e-bikes: Allowed
• Class 3 e-bikes and e-scooters: Not allowed on most multi-use trails in Danville
• Always check posted signage and local ordinances before riding on trails.

• 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))

• Bike lanes: Yes—allowed for all e-bike classes and e-scooters
• Streets: Yes—ride as far to the right as practical. Use caution and obey all traffic signs/signals
• Sidewalks: 
  • E-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks in Danville commercial districts (Danville Municipal Code 4-19.2)
  • E-scooters are not allowed on any sidewalks

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

• E-bikes: Only if the bike is specifically designed for two people (e.g., a cargo bike or one with a second seat)
• E-scooters: No passengers allowed under California law (CVC §21235(e))

• Handheld phone use is prohibited while riding e-bikes, scooters, or any vehicle
• Riders may not wear headphones/earbuds in both ears while operating a motorized vehicle (CVC §27400)

No. Speed limits for e-bikes and e-scooters are explicitly set by the State of California, and local governments are not authorized to change them. These speed caps are intended to create uniform safety standards across all jurisdictions, so riders don’t encounter conflicting rules in different towns. Danville may regulate speed in specific zones (like on trails or parks), but it cannot alter the state-mandated limits on public roads or bike lanes. (CVC §22411, CVC §312.05)

• E-scooters are capped at 15 mph statewide
• Class 1 & 2 e-bikes are capped at 20 mph
• Class 3 e-bikes are capped at 28 mph

No. The California Vehicle Code prohibits the requirement of licensing, registration, or insurance for Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes, and that restriction applies to both state and local governments. Similarly, while e-scooter riders must have a driver’s license or permit (per state law), towns like Danville cannot impose additional requirements like local licenses or ID stickers. This ensures statewide consistency and avoids placing undue burdens on riders. (CVC §24016(a), CVC §21235(d))

No. California does not set a minimum age for operating Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, and local governments are not allowed to impose one. The only class with an age restriction is Class 3, which requires riders to be at least 16. The state’s goal is to treat lower-speed e-bikes similarly to traditional bicycles, promoting access and simplicity across all communities. Towns may offer safety programs or education, but they cannot legislate beyond the state’s framework. (CVC §21213(a))

No. While the Town can restrict or prohibit e-bike and e-scooter access on specific local trails (like the Iron Horse Trail), it cannot impose additional regulatory burdens like requiring permits, local ID tags, or trail licenses. These types of rules are not supported by the California Vehicle Code and could conflict with the state’s definition of e-bikes as bicycles. Towns can enforce access rules, post signage, and cite violators, but cannot create their own layered permit systems. (CVC §21207.5)