As the holiday season approaches, the Folsom Police Department has a reminder for those eyeing e-scooters, e-bikes, or e-motorcycles as potential gifts: Know the rules or face the consequences. In a recent press release, the Folsom Police emphasized that these trendy rideables are not toys and must adhere to the same regulations as any motor vehicle under the California Vehicle Code.
With an eye on safety and legality, Folsom police have stated they will be actively enforcing vehicle code rules for these devices. According to the City of Folsom official announcement, improper use may lead to citations or, in some cases, even vehicle impoundment. As for riders, helmets are suggested for all ages and mandated for anyone under 18. When it comes to e-motorcycles, a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet is non-negotiable, regardless of the rider's age.
The legalities for e-scooters are quite specific. Riders need to be 16 or older, hold a valid California driver's license or instructional permit, and remember the one-person-per-vehicle rule. These scooters are also banned from sidewalks and have a speed limit cap of 15 mph. Meanwhile, e-bikes are divided into classes; Class 1 and 2 don't have age restrictions, but Class 3 requires riders to be at least 16 years old.
For anyone considering an e-motorcycle, there's more to it than simply buying one and hitting the road. These vehicles aren't allowed on trails, bike lanes, or sidewalks – and if they're battery-powered and can go over 30 mph, they need a little thing called registration. Riders have to sport a California Driver’s License with an M1 or M2 endorsement, get their vehicle registered with the DMV, and slap a license plate on it before legally cruising the street. For additional information on operating these devices within the law, Folsom's website offers details on the rules and responsibilities for e-vehicle operators.
