With the rise in popularity of e-bikes and the new school year approaching, you might start to see even more e-bikes on the street. When we talk to people about e-bikes and traffic safety, we’re often asked about the difference between e-bikes and e-motorcycles. 

E-bikes can be a helpful way for people to get around on city roads (as long as riders are being safe and following the rules of the road).

E-motorcycles, like Sur-ron, Talaria, 79-Bike, Rawrr Mantis, and Stark, to name a few, have a different set of rules and requirements and are designed for off-highway use only. To operate these, a driver's license with motorcycle endorsement, California vehicle registration and insurance are required. 

Here's a quick guide to telling the difference between an e-bike and an e-motorcycle.

Design

• E-bikes look similar to traditional bicycles, with an added electric motor, and have pedals.
• E-motorcycles are built more like traditional motorcycles, and don’t usually have pedals. The frames and tires are usually larger than those on e-bikes.

Function

• E-bikes can be pedaled manually, used with pedal-assist or powered by the throttle alone.
• E-motorcycles are powered by the motor, not by pedaling.

Speed

• Even the fastest e-bikes max out at 28 mph. (There are three classes of e-bikes that can reach different speeds. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can reach 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes can reach 28 mph. Class 3 e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old.)
• E-motorcycles are capable of reaching speeds well above 60 mph.

While there are additional rules and requirements for e-motorcycles, there are also Carlsbad-specific e-bike rules all e-bike riders need to follow. And rest assured, the Carlsbad Police Department will continue to proactively enforce traffic laws to help keep everyone safe.