Moped Laws

California Moped Laws
(a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or

three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by
human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical
energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor which produces less
than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the
device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level
ground.
(b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully
operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric
motor that meets all of the following requirements:
(1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
(2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than
20 miles per hour on ground level.
(3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device
when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than
20 miles per hour.
(4) Every manufacturer of motorized bicycles, as defined in this
subdivision, shall provide a disclosure to buyers that advises buyers
that their existing insurance policies may not provide coverage for
these bicycles and that they should contact their insurance company
or insurance agent to determine if coverage is provided.
(c) As long as the driver is over the age of 18 a license is not required
It is unlawful for a driver of a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle to carry any other person thereon, except
on a seat securely fastened to the machine at the rear of the driver and provided with footrests, or in a
sidecar attached to a motorcycle and designed for the purpose of carrying a passenger. Every passenger
on a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle shall keep his feet on the footrests while such vehicle is in motion.
A person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with either of the following:
(a) A seat so positioned that the driver, when sitting astride the seat, cannot reach the ground with his or
her feet.
(b) Handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches
above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.
(a) The department may adopt reasonable regulations establishing specifications and standards for safety
helmets offered for sale, or sold, for use by drivers and passengers of motorcycles and motorized bicycles
as it determines are necessary for the safety of those drivers and passengers. The regulations shall
include, but are not limited to, the requirements imposed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
218
(49 C.F.R. Sec. 571.218) and may include compliance with that federal standard by incorporation of its
requirements by reference. Each helmet sold or offered for sale for use by drivers and passengers of
motorcycles and motorized bicycles shall be conspicuously labeled in accordance with the federal
standard which shall constitute the manufacturer's certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable
federal motor vehicle safety standards.
(b) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, for use by a driver or passenger of a motorcycle or motorized
bicycle any safety helmet which is not of a type meeting requirements established by the department.
(a) A driver and any passenger shall wear a safety helmet meeting requirements established pursuant to
Section 27802 when riding on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle.
(b) It is unlawful to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle if the driver or any
passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision
(a).
(c) It is unlawful to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, motor-driven cycles, or motorized bicycle if the
driver or any passenger is not wearing a safety helmet as required by subdivision (a).
(d) This section applies to persons who are riding on motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or motorized
bicycles operated on the highways.
(e) For the purposes of this section, "wear a safety helmet" or "wearing a safety helmet" means having a
safety helmet meeting the requirements of Section 27802 on the person's head that is fastened with the
helmet straps and that is of a size that fits the wearing person's head securely without excessive lateral or
vertical movement.
(f) This section does not apply to a person operating, or riding as a passenger in, a fully enclosed three-
wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length and not less than four feet in width, and
has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more, if the vehicle meets or exceeds all of the requirements of
this code, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and the rules and regulations adopted by the
United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
(g) In enacting this section, it is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that all persons are provided with
an additional safety benefit while operating or riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized
bicycle.

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California Moped Laws

(a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or

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