For Immediate Release
June 12, 2024
Sharnika Freeman
[email protected]
The City of Rancho Cucamonga and the Rancho Cucamonga P.D. have experienced an increase in calls for service, coupled with deputy observations, of subjects riding electric motorcycles on public roadways, bike paths, and horse trails throughout the city. The increase in subjects riding electric dirt bike-style motorcycles (common manufacturers include Surron, Mototec, and GMX Electric Dirtbike) has prompted additional traffic enforcement for riders observed on public roadways throughout the city.
Rancho Cucamonga P.D. has been working diligently to conduct enforcement stops and provide education to the public to address questions surrounding the use and legality of the operation of such vehicles on public roadways. Below are some frequently asked questions our deputies have encountered during traffic enforcement stops involving electric motorcycles.
FAQ’S:
•“Why is my vehicle classified as an electric motorcycle?” – per CVC 400(a) and CVC 406(a) electric dirtbikes/motorcycles are defined by the vehicle code as motorcycles and must follow the same registration and operating procedures per the State of California.
•“Is my electric dirtbike street legal?”- NO, most electric dirtbikes are classified (by their manufacturer) as an “off-road only bike.” That means it is not intended for use on paved surfaces, bicycle lanes or paths, or any public roadway. These types of electric motorcycles are designed for use on private property dirt tracks and Off-Highway-Vehicle (OHV) riding areas only.
•“Do I need a California driver’s license to operate my electric dirtbike/motorcycle on a public roadway?” -YES, per CVC12500(b), a person must possess a valid California driver’s license with an M-1/M-2 motorcycle endorsement. A citation for CVC12500(b) is classified as a misdemeanor.
•“Do I need to register my electric dirtbike/motorcycle with the DMV to operate it on a public roadway?” – YES, per CVC4000(a)(1) any vehicle when operated on a public roadway must have valid registration per the California DMV.
•“Can I operate my electric dirtbike/motorcycle on bike paths/sidewalks/walking trails/ horse trails?” -NO, per state and city ordinances any vehicle classified by the DMV cannot be operated on sidewalks, bike paths, walking trails or horse trails within the city limits of Rancho Cucamonga.
•“Can my electric dirtbike/motorcycle be towed if I am found riding it on a public roadway without a valid M-1/M-2 license endorsement or without it being registered?” -YES, per CVC22651(p), VC 23127(a), and CVC22651(o)(1), a peace officer has probable cause to remove the vehicle from the roadway, bike path, or horse trail.
If you have any questions as to whether your electric dirtbike/motorcycle is street legal, please refer to the manufacturer for additional information or contact your local DMV office for registration and licensing requirements.
