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70 | 2026 PLEASANTON BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN <br />SUPPORT PROGRAMS <br />E-Mobility <br />Electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) have risen greatly in popularity <br />in recent years with communities across California seeing both benefits and challenges <br />associated with their proliferation. Because these vehicles are still an emerging tech- <br />nology, comprehensive guidance and best practices surrounding these vehicles are still <br />being developed at the state level and in surrounding communities. <br />The State of California has three e-bikes categories, all capped at a maximum motor <br />power of 750 Watts: <br />Class Operation Type Max Assisted Speed Age / License Rules Primary Use Care <br />Class I Pedal-assist <br />only (no throt- <br />tle) <br />20 mph No age or license <br />limits <br />Mountain biking, <br />fitness, trail access <br />Class II Pedal and/or <br />throttle <br />20 mph No age or license <br />limits <br />Urban commuting, <br />cargo, mobility <br />needs <br />Class III Pedal-assist <br />only (no throt- <br />tle) <br />28 mph Minimum age: 16+ <br />(No license) <br />Long-distance <br />commuting, traffic <br />pacing <br />Source: California E-Bike Laws 2026: Complete Guide To Classes, Rules & Incentives - The <br />Cyclist Choice <br />Vehicles similar to e-bikes with more powerful motors or higher speed limitations are considered motorcycles under California law and <br />require licensing and insurance. Many vehicles sold as Class II e-bikes can be easily modified in order to increase motor power and <br />speed limits beyond those allowed for Class II e-bikes. These are often called “e-motos”. <br />Unlike e-bikes, e-scooters do not currently operate under a comprehensive multi-class classification system. Under California law, <br />they are subject to the following rules: <br />• Speed Limit: Maximum legal operating speed of 15 mph (though like Class II e-bikes, many consumer models can be modified <br />to exceed this limit). <br />• Licensing: Riders must possess a valid driver’s license or instruction permit to legally operate an e-scooter. <br />The City of Pleasanton does not currently have comprehensive policies pertaining to the use of e-bikes and e-scooters within the City.