Is it legal to ride e-bikes on Clovis trails? Here are the rules
Not all electric bicycles are created equal, and not all of them are legal to ride on trails or walkways under California state law.
Over the past few months, the City of Clovis has gained attention on social media for a growing number of reckless driving incidents involving e-bikes and complaints from residents.
Officer Jason Gills of the Clovis Police Department warns residents of the dangers e-bicycles can cause if used illegally, and he stresses that anyone purchasing a motorized bike should be aware of exactly what they’re getting.
“The last thing we want is to respond to a crash where somebody’s been hurt for driving these things too dangerously or even being out on the roadway when they shouldn’t be there in the first place,” Gills said.
If you plan to ride an e-bike on Clovis trails safely and legally, there are a few things you should know.
E-bikes are categorized into three classes, each with their own rules and regulations. California law states classes 1 and 2 are allowed anywhere a regular bicycle can go, and class 3 e-bikes are prohibited from public paths and trails.
E-bike laws by class
In early 2025, California updated its e-bike laws to clarify each classification and to enhance public safety following an increase in usage across the state.
Class 1 offers pedal-assistance up to 20 mph, whereas class 2 provides both throttle and pedal assistance up to 20 mph.
However, the speed limit for vehicles of any kind in any city park is 15 mph, Gill said.
Class 3 e-bikes, which are not prohibited on trails and paths, offer pedal assistance up to speeds of 28 mph. Riders must be 16-years-old or older.
All riders on a class 1 or 2 e-bike under the age of 18 must wear a helmet. All riders on a class 3 e-bike must wear a helmet regardless of age.
Clovis police battle reckless driving
E-bikes became widely popular as a mode of transportation all across the United States around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by an increase in demand for outdoor activities during lockdown.
In May 2025, the Clovis Police Department launched an information campaign to educate and address safety issues related to e-bikes. The need for public awareness was sparked by a growing number of police pursuits involving e-bikes and complaints from residents, Gilles said.
“We wanted to make sure that we were trying to do right by the public and educate them before we took enforcement action,” Gilles said.
While the information campaign educated Clovis residents across social media about the laws, instances of reckless driving on e-bikes persisted through the summer, Gilles said. Many cases have involved minors or young adults, including a crash on Aug. 19, when an unhelmeted teen was severely injured and taken to a local hospital after colliding with a truck.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily the bikes themselves,” Gills said. “I think a lot of times it’s a younger generation of riders, possibly who are riding them and don’t have an actual driver’s license themselves, so they don’t necessarily know the rules of the road, or they don’t consider what they are doing to be reckless driving.”
Consequences of illegal or reckless e-bike riding
A rider of either a non-motorized bicycle or an e-bike on a Clovis trail could be issued a citation if they ride on any section other than the paved portion, Gills said, unless the area is specifically marked for such purpose.
Riders could also be at risk of enforcement action if they drive speeds over 15 mph in any city park, Gilles said.
Reckless driving could result in a driver being placed under arrest for a misdemeanor, receiving civil penalties and impoundment of the vehicle for up to 30 days, Gilles said.
E-motorcycles often confused for e-bikes
When purchasing e-bikes, it is common to confuse them for e-motorcycles, Gilles said, a mistake that could lead a rider to break the law, as e-motorcycles are not legal to drive on public paths or trails.
“We just want to make sure that people are educating themselves and making the right decision,” Gills said.
Residents can ride e-motorcycles only on OHV trails with a green sticker or on private property.
A rider of an e-motorcycle on Clovis trials or public property could be issued a citation for various infractions, including impoundment of the bike, Gills said.
“The e-motorcycles are very dangerous,” Gills said. “We’ve had crashes and pursuits with them.”
There are a few things to look out for when spotting the differences between an e-bike and an e-motorcycle.
All e-bikes have bike pedals, whereas an e-motorcycle does not, similar to an off-road motorcycle.
Additionally, e-motorcycles have motorcycle pegs, unlike an e-bike. These vehicles can reach speeds up to 70 mph, Gills said, “they are definitely not bicycles.”
A Department of Transportation approved helmet is required by law when riding an e-motorcycle.
This story was originally published September 20, 2025 at 5:30 AM.