E-bicycles and E-motorcycles
Glendale Police Department
Traffic Bureau
Lieutenant Pete Robinson
Why We’re Here
• What’s the difference?
• E-bicycles
• Class 1, class 2, class 3
• E-motorcycles
• Surron, Talaria, standard/unlocked
• E-scooters and “motorized bicycles”
E-bicycles (E-bikes)
• Class 1
• Pedal assist
• Max speed: 20 mph
• Class 2
• Throttle equipped
• Max speed: 20 mph
• Class 3
• Pedal assist
• Max speed: 28 mph (w/speedo)
AiPAS M2 Pro Xterrain - $949 (10-36mph)
E-bike Laws (generally)
• Per the California Vehicle Code (CVC), an e-bike is a bicycle • Most of the same laws apply
• Helmets required under 18*
• Except Class 3, which requires helmets for everyone
• Okay for all ages*
• Except Class 3, which is age 16+
• Not allowed on sidewalks in business districts (GMC)
• Residential areas are exempt
• May be stored as property, not towed like a vehicle.
E-motorcycles (E-motos)
• Essentially an electric dirtbike
• No functional pedals (pegs)
• May have a VIN or serial number
• Multiple makes
• Surron Light Bee ($3,600)
• Tuttio Soleil ($1,250) – recommended under
4ft, “breathtaking acceleration”)
• Some models are capable of speeds
over 80mph with unlocking.
E-Ride Pro SS 2.0 - $4,599 (60mph)
E-moto Laws (currently)
• Per the CVC, it is a VEHICLE, not a bicycle
• Registration and proper equipment required
• Illegal on public streets and sidewalks (CVC)
• Illegal on city property and in parks (GMC)
• May be impounded for registration*
• Legal loophole—working it out with DMV
• May be impounded for reckless/evading*
• Legal loophole—parents/owner can secure release
• May be impounded per 22651.08CVC (new in 2026)
• 48 hours only.
E-scooters, Motorized Bicycles, and Mopeds
• E-scooters
• Floorboard or seat, gas/electric
• Bike lanes and roadways
• No riding on sidewalks
• CDL or permit, 15 mph, helmets (18)
• Mopeds/motorized bicycles
• Gas/electric, various guidelines
• Requirements like a vehicle
• Registration, CDL, endorsement
• Lighting and emissions equipment.
A Recent Example
• Call for service at Dunsmore Park
• “Six e-bikes ripping up the grass”
• Reckless driving, speed, stop signs
• Motors, patrol officers, Air Support
• Multiple citations, two arrests
• Six e-motos impounded
• All juveniles, 14-15 years old
• Third time for one of them
• Liability issues?
#MyGlendale
Lieutenant Pete Robinson
Sergeant Ryan Gunn
Sergeant Marc Tarzia
(818) 548-3131