Horsepower for Motorized Bicycles in California increased

Fabian said:

4 horsepower = 2984 watts

406 (b)* (1)* Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.


1000 watts = 1.34 horsepower

From what i can see, the police can nail your a.r.s.e. to the wall if you have a 4 horsepower engine in your bike, even if 406 (a)* lists that 2983 watts is legal.
When the police take you to court, they will use section 406 (b)* (1)* against you.

Click to expand...

Unfortunately Fabian you are comingling 2 separate laws (vehicle codes).

CVC 406 (b) only pertains to Low Speed Electric Bicycles, period.

CVC 406 (b) has no bearing whatsoever on Gasoline (<4hp) or Electric (<2982 watt) powered Motorized Bicycles, Mopeds or Scooters that fall under the guidelines of CVC 406 (a).



CVC 406(a) Regulates <4hp/2982w Motorized Bicycles, Mopeds, Scooters with pedals (pedals optional if powered by electric).

CVC 406(a) A “motorized bicycle” or “moped” is a 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 that 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.

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CVC 460(b) Regulates the new breed of low speed electric powered or power assisted bicycles, or "E-BIKES". It does not have anything to do with gasoline powered vehicles.

CVC 406(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.

I stand corrected, for i overlooked the specific definition of electric power in 406 (b)

Being given the option of having an internal combustion engine up to 4 horsepower is a welcome relief, and a very sensible amendment to the law.
If only the Australian federal and state governments were as sensible, it would prevent the police turning good citizens into criminals, just for using a motorised bicycle with a meaningful level of power assist, not the stupid 200 watt limit (0.27 horsepower) we are forced to live with, which effectively makes everyone a criminal; should they ride a bike that can propel them up a steep hill, with a reasonable level of speed.