Hahahahahahaaa! DMV website has always been out of date. DMV is a f***ing joke!
Check out the Motorized Bicycle pic on the CHP website that has the correct ebike laws.
https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-ser...clist-safety/motorcycles-and-similar-vehicles
Moped or motorized bicycle
Section 406(a) CVC refers to a moped or motorized bicycle as any two or three wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, has an automatic transmission, and a motor which produces less than 4 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.
- A driver license with an M-1 or M-2 endorsement is required.
- A DOT compliant helmet is required.
- It is unlawful to operate a moped or motorized bicycle on a roadway while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
http://custombuiltmotorizedbicycles.com/
Bike is a 20" bmx.
I'll tell you this - got off the phone with CHP and this is the rundown.
According to their 2017 book copy.
406a (definition)/ 406b (insurance) is current.
AB1096 passed yet did NOT delete 406 when it was enacted
Does it have an engine/motor?
Does it have pedals?
Is it speeding on flat ground? (30+mph)
The new laws he agreed appear tailored to regulate the electric bicycle community, however the new speed limit he would enforce, 30mph, in any instance the most important factor still is as it has been for years - the presence of pedals and road laws like breaking the speed limit.
Something fun to chew on -
Low speed vehicles, VIN™federal code
Some familiar standards
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title49-vol6/pdf/CFR-2011-title49-vol6-sec571-500.pdf
Source:
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/search/pagedetails.action?collectionCode=CFR&searchPath=Title+49/Subtitle+B/Chapter+V/Part+571/Subpart+B&granuleId=CFR-2011-title49-vol6-part565&packageId=CFR-2011-title49-vol6&oldPath=Title+49/Subtitle+B/Chapter+V/Part+571/Subpart+A&fromPageDetails=true&collapse=true&ycord=3561
My main focus is following vehicle safety standards just to get it issued a real VIN.
I just read the CA Brake Inspection Handbook (stop from 20mph to 0 in <25ft without skidding)
And I'm reading the
STATE OF CALIFORNIA HANDBOOK FOR LAMP ADJUSTERS AND STATIONS
And also we have to pass smog check
More Reading:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Motor_Vehicle_Safety_Standards
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?...ntent_en/dmv/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr37
2017 CVC-24015 (A/B)
(A) MOTORIZED BICYCLE; Required Equipment: Headlamp, taillamp, stoplamp, side and rear reflectors and adequate brakes.
(B) MOTORIZED BICYCLE; Required Equipment: Mirror, muffler, and horn.
2017 CVC 5030 MOTORIZED BICYCLE; License Plate: Display special DMV plate
2017 CVC 5037
(A) MOTORIZED BICYCLE; Move or operate on hwy. without required plate. (Bike 1st sold on or after 7/1/81)
(B) MOTORIZED BICYCLE: Move or operate on hwy. without required plate. (Bike 1st sold before 7/1/81, and operated after 1/1/82)
CVC 12500
(A) UNLICENSED DRIVER Drive motor vehicle on a hwy.
(B) MOTORCYCLE LICENSE REQUIRED to operate a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle (under 150 cc), or motorized bicycle (under 2hp) on hwy., except persons operating a motorized bicycle or motorized scooter with any class license per 12804.9(h). (Class M1 = 2 wheel motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Class M2 = 2-3 wheel motorized bicycle or moped, except a motorized bike per 406(b).)
I don't jump in legal conversations because I'm looking for answers, i do it because i'm looking for the many perspectives from a jury of my peers...