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
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.


