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No, not legally in California. But there are gray areas here that you can probably exploit to your advantage.

If you are asking this because you have a suspended driver's license, then listen closely. (If you have a valid driver's license, just go and get an m1 endorsement)

There are two types of motorized bicycles in the California Vehicle Code:

406(a) - moped with an internal combustion engine, top speed 30mph

406(b) - electric engine-run two-wheeler, 20mph

You need an m1 endorsement with a driver's license for the 406(a) classification--which sucks because you get better mileage with gas-powered engines--so for you suspended license people, and/or deuce (DUI) folk you might have to stick with an electric motor.

The law is convoluted here. If you had a moped that ran at 20mph max, had a 1.5 hp engine, with pedals, theoretically you'd have the equivalent of a 406(b), no driver's license would be required, the only difference would be that the engine would run on gas.

If the moped were run by an electric motor and had a top speed of "20mph", then you'd avoid licensing, registration and insurance requirements.

The key is to find or build a bike that fits into the 406(b), electric engine category that runs a little faster (say 50mph top/higher than 1500 watts), has pedals, and looks more like a bicycle than a motorcycle. Electric engines are virtually soundless. Get paperwork and technical specifications that fit within the law and carry them around with you, along with the relevant section of the Vehicle Code.

Unfortunately, the market doesn't inspire good electric bikes. The closest thing you can get that avoids legal requirements is the ego--which strictly speaking goes beyond 406(b) and a few others out there.

I've scrutinized the relevant section of the code and cannot find a way around the licensing, registration and insurance requirements for the 406(a). The only way around it, would be to convert a 406(a) moped's internal combustion engine to an electric engine.

No, not legally in California. But there are gray areas here that you can probably exploit to your advantage.

If you are asking this because you have a suspended driver's license, then listen closely. (If you have a valid driver's license, just go and get an m1 endorsement)

There are two types of motorized bicycles in the California Vehicle Code:

406(a) - moped with an internal combustion engine, top speed 30mph

406(b) - electric engine-run two-wheeler, 20mph

You need an m1 endorsement with a driver's license for the 406(a) classification--which sucks because you get better mileage with gas-powered engines--so for you suspended license people, and/or deuce (DUI) folk you might have to stick with an electric motor.

406(b) classified two-wheelers require no license, no registration and no insurance.

The law is convoluted here. If you had a moped that ran at 20mph max, had a 1.5 hp engine, with pedals, theoretically you'd have the equivalent of a 406(b), no driver's license would be required, the only difference would be that the engine would run on gas.

Again if the two wheeled vehicle were run by an electric motor and had a top speed of "20mph", then you'd avoid licensing, registration and insurance requirements.

The key is to find or build a bike that fits into the 406(b), electric engine category that runs a little faster (say 50mph top/higher than 1500 watts), has pedals, and looks more like a bicycle than a motorcycle. Electric engines are virtually soundless. Get paperwork and technical specifications that fit within the law and carry them around with you, along with the relevant section of the Vehicle Code.

Unfortunately, the market doesn't inspire good electric bikes. The closest thing you can get that avoids legal requirements is the ego--which strictly speaking goes beyond 406(b) and a few others out there.

I've scrutinized the relevant section of the code and cannot find a way around the licensing, registration and insurance requirements for the 406(a). The only way around it, would be to convert a 406(a) moped's internal combustion engine to an electric engine.

(please see the added information in the discussion part of this answer)

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9y ago
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14y ago

Of course! You don't need a license to drive a scooter.

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Q: Can you drive a moped without a license in California if the engine is under 50cc's?
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