E-Bikes and E-Motorcycles

Regulations for E-Bikes and Motorized Scooters

The City of Chino Hills has implemented new regulations prohibiting electric bicycles (e-bikes) and motorized scooters on public sidewalks within City limits which went into effect on January 8, 2025.

The new ordinance was designed to improve safety for pedestrians and reduce the possibility of accidents caused by e-bikes and motorized scooters by adding public sidewalks to the list of restricted areas for e-bikes and motorized scooters, which already includes City-owned open spaces, trails, and parks.

Riders are required to use bike lanes or streets instead of sidewalks when traveling through the City. This includes areas near schools, parks, and the Chino Hills Government Center. Failure to abide by the Chino Hills Municipal Code (CHMC) or the California Vehicle Code (CVC) may result in significant fines and towing.

Possible Fines

Riding on Public Sidewalks - $100, $200, and $500 (CHMC 10.40.030)
Riding in City-owned Open Space - $100, $200, and $500 (CHMC 12.32.260)
Riding in a City Park - $100, $200, and $500 (CHMC 12.40.280)
Riding on a City Trail - $100, $200, and $500 (CHMC 12.32.260)
D.O.T. Required Helmet - $193 (CVC 27803(B))
Driving Out of Class - $234 (CVC 12500(B))
License Plate Required - $193 (CVC 5200(B))
Unregistered Vehicle - $281 (CVC 4000(A)(1))
Unlicensed Driver - $486 (CVC 12500(A))
No Proof of Insurance - $896 (CVC 16028(A))

Safety Tips

  

What Qualifies as an E-Bike

The CVC defines e-bikes as bicycles with an electric motor of less than 750 watts and fully operable pedals, while motorized scooters are defined as two-wheeled devices with handlebars, a floorboard to stand on, and powered by an electric motor. E-bikes must disengage when brake functions are applied and use a switch or mechanism that, when released, will cause motor function to cease.

Know the Difference Between E-Bikes and E-Dirt Bikes

E-bikes and electric motorcycles (e-motorcycles), or electric dirt bikes (e-dirt bikes), are different, and e-motorcycles do not meet the requirements of e-bikes including not having pedals and having speed and power limits that exceed legal limits for e-bikes. Some e-motorcycles are designed primarily for off-road use and do not meet the requirements of e-bikes including not having pedals, and having speed and power limits that exceed legal limits for e-bikes.

Per the CVC, any vehicle exceeding 750 watts is an e-motorcycle, not an e-bike. E-motorcycles are subject to additional regulations and riders can face additional fines and possible towing charges. Some common e-motorcycle manufacturers include but are not limited to, Surron, Razor, KTM, Talaria, Motortec, and GMX Electric Dirt Bike.

Additional Information Regarding Bikes, E-Bikes, E-Dirt Bikes/Motorcycles, and Motorized Scooters

	BIKE	CLASS 1 E-BIKE	CLASS 2 E-BIKE	CLASS 3 E-BIKE	E-DIRT BIKE/ E-MOTORCYCLE	MOTORIZED SCOOTER
MOBILITY DEVICES
Pedal Activated	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	N/A
Max Motor Assisted Speed (MPH)	N/A	20	20	28	N/A	15
License Plate Registered w/ DMV	No	No	No	No	Yes	No
RIDER
Minimum Age	N/A	N/A	N/A	16	16	16
Driver's License	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
Helmet Required	Under 18	Under 18	Under 18	All Ages	All Ages	All Ages
PERMITTED AREAS
Parks	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Street (Bike Lane)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Sidewalks	Yes	No	No	No	No	No
Trails	Yes	No	No	No	No	No

New Regulations Prohibits Electric Bicycles and Motorized Scooters on Public Sidewalks Flyer (PDF)