• Starting the machine and shifting up and down.
  
• Riding within the limits of a curve or circle.
  
• Making sharp turns.
  
• Judging turning speed.
  
• Maneuvering around objects.
  
• Braking smoothly.
  

A Vehicle Code (VC) §406(a) defines a motorized bicycle, commonly called a moped, as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle which can be temporarily propelled by pedals or by an electric motor. An automatic transmission connects the wheels to an engine which produces less than 2 gross brake horsepower. It has a top speed of 30 miles per hour on level ground.

Starting in January 1996, a motorized bicycle is also defined (VC §406[b]) as a device which has fully operative pedals for human propulsion and has an electric motor with an output of not more than 1,000 watts and cannot be driven at a speed of more than 20 mph on level ground. The motorized bicycle cannot go faster than 20 mph even if assisted by human power. These vehicles must operate so the electric motor is disengaged when the brakes are applied or when the starter switch or mechanism is released.

Persons who operate a motorized bicycle which meets the definition of VC §406(b):

• must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
• are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, driver license, and license plate requirements.
  
• must be 16 years of age or older.

A motorized bicycle may not be driven on a freeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreation trail unless the path or trail is on, or next to, a roadway or permission to use the trail or roadway is granted by local ordinance. A motorized bicycle may be driven in a bicycle lane on a roadway at a reasonable speed and with special care for bicyclists using the lane.

The basic rules of the road contained in the Vehicle Code apply to all two-wheel vehicles which include motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds, or bicycles with a motor attached.

A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle with an engine size less than 150cc, and every bicycle with a motor attached.

You may not operate a motor-driven cycle on a freeway which has been posted with signs to prohibit such operation.

A motorcycle is any motor vehicle other than a tractor having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and weighing less than 1,500 pounds, except that four wheels may be in contact with the ground when two of the wheels are a functional part of a sidecar.

Minibikes, tote-goats, trailbikes , and similar vehicles may fall within the definition of motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle. If such vehicles are operated upon the highway they must meet applicable equipment, registration, licensing, and operation requirements, if required.

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