Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • beats
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    • California Dream
    • Videos
    • Photos
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Roots
    • Eclectic
    • Videos
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight
    • California State of Mind
    • The View From Here
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • Insight Music
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • CapRadio Travels
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support / Underwriting
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Volunteering
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu

New California Laws 2016

 

Hundreds of new California laws took effect on Jan. 1. Capital Public Radio looked at the tangible impacts of these laws on the lives of Californians.

Series and Project Archive

 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
  • State Government
  • Environment
  •  

New Laws Open New Paths To Electric Bikes and Skateboards

  •  Ben Bradford 
Tuesday, December 22, 2015 | Sacramento, CA
Listen
/
Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.
 Kārlis Dambrāns/Flickr

The gears of an electric bike.

Kārlis Dambrāns/Flickr

This story is part of Capital Public Radio's series on new California laws that take effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

Electric bike and skateboard riders will have new access to California roads in 2016, as well as new requirements.

A 1970s law barred the era’s loud and gas-powered motorized skateboards from public roads. Today’s quiet, electric skateboards have technically fallen under that ban.

Jessica Gonzalez with the Department of Motor Vehicles says California is trying to catch up with emerging modes of transportation.

"We’re seeing new types of technology out on the road ways to make it easier for people to get around, and so new laws had to be created for them," says Gonzalez.

Starting January 1st, electric skateboard riders can use public roads and sidewalks, if they’re over the age of 16, wearing helmets and sober. Electric bikes will similarly be allowed on bike paths.

Cities and counties can also pass local ordinances to restrict the vehicles.

Under another new law, “beer bikes” — which  allow up to 15 people to pedal from bar to bar — are now regulated as a type of pedicab.

Even those not riding electric vehicles may see questions about the road rules for them on future driving tests.

The DMV lists the following laws that will create new rules for drivers on January 1st:

  • Pedal-Powered Vehicles
  • Electrically Motorized Skateboards
  • Electric Bicycles
  • Driving Under the Influence
  • Earbuds or Headsets
  • Consumer Protection - Starter Interrupt Warning
  • Transportation Network Companies
  • California Residency Requirement
  • Traffic Amnesty
 

Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

 transportationDMVbicyclesskateboardselectric vehiclesbike month

Ben Bradford

Former State Government Reporter

As the State Government Reporter, Ben covered California politics, policy and the interaction between the two. He previously reported on local and state politics, business, energy, and environment for WFAE in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Read Full Bio 

 @JBenBradford Email Ben Bradford

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More New California Laws 2016 Stories

Wally Gobetz / Flickr

California Leads The Country In Minimum Wage

December 21, 2015

Elvert Barnes / Flickr

New State Law To Target Wage Theft

December 28, 2015

Alan Cordova / Flickr

New Calif. Law Prohibits Discrimination Based on Immigration Status

December 30, 2015

View All New California Laws 2016 Stories  

Most Viewed

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

California Coronavirus Updates: Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Incentivizing Schools To Reopen

California To Allow Limited Attendance At Outdoor Stadiums, Theme Parks

California Coronavirus Updates: State Lawmakers Approve $2 Billion Incentive For Schools To Reopen

California To Expand COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility To Residents With Severe Health Conditions, Disabilities

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

California Coronavirus Updates: Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Incentivizing Schools To Reopen

California To Allow Limited Attendance At Outdoor Stadiums, Theme Parks

California Coronavirus Updates: State Lawmakers Approve $2 Billion Incentive For Schools To Reopen

California To Expand COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility To Residents With Severe Health Conditions, Disabilities

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2021, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.