Parent Bulletin
September 2025 - E-Bikes: What Parents Need to Know
Clovis Unified and City of Clovis police departments have partnered to provide important information to families about e-bike safety and the laws every rider should know before taking to the streets.
Electric Vehicle Types
E-Bike:
According to California’s vehicle code, an e-bike is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Every e-bike made since 2017 must have a permanent label that lists the classification number, top speed and motor wattage. That’s important because the laws about how an e-bike can be operated are different dependent on the class of the e-bike.
Electric Motorcycle/Moped:
Mopeds or electric motorcycles are two- or three-wheeled motor assisted vehicles. Some can reach speeds over 50 mph. These vehicles often have motorcycle “pegs” instead of pedals. To ride a vehicle like this you must have an M1 license. E-motorcycles require a DOT approved helmet, and the correct vehicle registration. Many of these (like IE Surron, E-Ride Pro, & Talaria bikes) must be registered and can only be ridden on private property or specially marked trails for off-highway vehicles or face the possibility of impoundment.
E-Scooter:
A “motorized scooter” is any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has either a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding or a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard, and is powered by an electric motor. Riders should be aware of the specific rules and regulations governing the use of e-scooters.
Quick Reference Chart
In Clovis and Fresno, municipal code prohibits riding a bicycle, e-bicycle or e-scooter of any kind on sidewalks in many locations. These vehicles should use bike lanes and follow all other traffic rules. For complete regulations see City of Clovis municipal code 5.8.12 and City of Fresno municipal code Chapter 14 Article 17.
Class 1 E-Bike
Pedal Assist: Yes
Throttle: No
Maximum Speed: 20 miles per hour
Minimum Age: N/A
Helmet: Under 18
Class 2 E-Bike
Pedal Assist: Optional
Throttle: Yes
Maximum Speed: 20 miles per hour
Minimum Age: N/A
Helmet: Under 18
Class 3 E-Bike
Pedal Assist: Yes
Throttle: No
Maximum Speed: 28 miles per hour
Minimum Age: 16
Helmet: Yes, Department of Transportation-Approved
Moped/E-Motorcycle
Pedal Assist: No
Throttle: Yes
Maximum Speed:
- Moped: 30 miles per hour
- Motorcycle: Speed Limit
Minimum Age: 16 & M1 License & Registered
Helmet: Yes, Department of Transportation-Approved
Safety First
Start a Conversation
About Parent Bulletins
Parent Bulletins are created by Clovis Unified as a partnering effort to raise awareness and equip families with resources to help kids succeed. These occasional pieces focus on youth trends and culture that may pose risks to students and/or hold school-related consequences, and are designed to start family conversations.
Parent Bulletin Archives
Recent Parent Bulletins are downloadable below, with the most recent at the top.