California electric dirt bike law

Since January 1, 2026 the Vehicle Code defines an off-highway electric motorcycle, or eMoto, as one designed primarily for off-highway use, powered by an electric motor that needs no motor number, with handlebars, a manufacturer straddle seat, two wheels and no manufacturer pedals. It is listed as an off-highway motor vehicle, so the off-highway vehicle rules apply to it.

Cal. Veh. Code §§ 436.1, 38012(b)(6), checked 2026-09-24. Official text for California, Cal. Veh. Code §§ 436.1, 38012(b)(6), external site

No. The state's off-highway vehicle division says eMotos are not electric bicycles or mopeds, cannot be registered for highway use and cannot be converted to street legal. A rider on a highway can be cited for an unregistered vehicle and for unlicensed motorcycle operation, and a parent who knowingly lets a child ride one on a highway can be cited too.

Cal. Veh. Code §§ 4000(a)(1), 12500(b), 14607; OHMVR Information Bulletin 25-1, checked 2026-09-24. Official text for California, Cal. Veh. Code §§ 4000(a)(1), 12500(b), 14607; OHMVR Information Bulletin 25-1, external site

An eMoto ridden on public land, or on private land that is open to the public, must display an off-highway identification plate or device issued by the DMV, the California Green Sticker or Red Sticker. The exception is riding solely on private property under the landowner's direct control and permission.

Cal. Veh. Code §§ 38010, 38020, 38170, checked 2026-09-24. Official text for California, Cal. Veh. Code §§ 38010, 38020, 38170, external site

The state's off-highway vehicle division says a helmet is not required by law when riding a motorcycle off-highway, though it strongly recommends one. The statutory helmet rule for public lands, § 38505, covers all-terrain vehicles.

Cal. Veh. Code § 38505; OHMVR Division FAQ, question 16, checked 2026-09-24. Official text for California, Cal. Veh. Code § 38505; OHMVR Division FAQ, question 16, external site

On land other than a highway that is open and accessible to the public, the Vehicle Code's off-highway vehicle division requires the operator of an off-highway motor vehicle to be able to reach and operate all controls necessary to safely operate it; the division does not cover private land under the owner's immediate control where permission is required and has been granted. Fire trails, logging roads, service roads and other roughly graded trails and roads open to public travel do not count as highways for this division. A parent or guardian of a child under 14, or an adult they authorize to supervise the child, may not grant permission to or knowingly allow that child to operate an off-highway motor vehicle in a manner that breaks that rule; a first conviction carries a $35 fine.

Cal. Veh. Code §§ 38001(a), 38304, 38304.1(a), (b)(1), checked 2026-10-01. Official text for California, Cal. Veh. Code §§ 38001(a), 38304, 38304.1(a), (b)(1), external site

An electric bicycle has fully operable pedals and a motor capped at 750 watts. A two- or three-wheeler built to be modifiable past 20 mph on motor power alone or past 750 watts, one modified that way, or one with its pedals removed is not an electric bicycle and cannot be sold or labeled as one.

Cal. Veh. Code § 312.5(a), (d), checked 2026-09-24. Official text for California, Cal. Veh. Code § 312.5(a), (d), external site