Your guide to California powersports laws - which electric scooters, golf carts, dirt bikes, gas bikes, and go-karts you can legally ride, and where.
California has stricter emissions rules than other states. Gas-powered vehicles shipped to California generally must be CARB-approved, while electric models are legal in all 50 states.
Before ordering a gas vehicle for delivery to California, call us to confirm the model you want is California legal. Our electric lineup ships to California with no emissions restrictions.
Yes - electric scooters (like our Gotrax lineup) can be ridden on California streets without registration or license plates. Key rules: riders generally need a driver's license or permit, the speed limit for e-scooters on public roads is 15 MPH, riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and scooters should use bike lanes where available. Faster scooters are still legal to own - just keep speeds above 15 MPH to private property and off-road trails.
Golf carts in California can be driven on roads posted 25 MPH or less near golf courses and within approved communities. To go further, a cart generally needs to qualify as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV): capable of 20-25 MPH, equipped with headlights, turn signals, mirrors, seat belts, and a windshield, plus DMV registration and insurance. Electric golf carts also have no CARB issues - they ship to California freely.
Off-road dirt bikes are legal in California but must be registered with an OHV (Green or Red) sticker to ride on public OHV areas and trails. CARB emissions certification determines which sticker a gas dirt bike gets and where/when it can be ridden. Electric dirt bikes avoid the emissions question entirely. Standard dirt bikes are not street legal without a full DOT conversion and DMV approval.
Gas-powered (motorized) bicycles are legal in California but face more requirements than electric bikes: the engine must be CARB-compliant, the vehicle generally must be registered with the DMV as a motorized bicycle or moped, the rider needs an M1/M2 motorcycle endorsement, and a DOT helmet is required. Many California riders choose an electric bike or electric scooter instead, which avoids emissions, registration, and license-plate requirements.
No - go-karts are off-road vehicles and cannot be driven on California public streets. They're perfect for private property, and gas models used in OHV areas may need CARB-compliant engines and OHV registration. Electric go-karts keep it simple for backyard and private-track use.
Yes - motorcycle sidecars are legal in California. The motorcycle must be registered normally, the operator needs an M1 license, and every rider (including sidecar passengers) must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Sidecar passengers must ride in a properly attached sidecar with a designated seat.
Laws change and local rules vary - always confirm current requirements with the California DMV or CHP before riding. Not sure if the model you want is California legal? Call 1-844-844-1668 and we'll check before you order.