The standard minibike is not designed for safe travel on streets and freeways and is not street legal in California. Also known as pocket bikes, these vehicles don’t have the proper equipment (e.g., mirrors and turn signals) to be safe in traffic.
Where Can I Ride a Minibike in California?
Pocket bikes are for riding on private property and private tracks. Because of their lack of safety equipment, they aren’t allowed in many places.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) confirms that minibikes are illegal in these areas:
- Streets and highways
- Sidewalks
- Public trails
- Bikeways
A normal minibike is a recreational vehicle that usually can’t be assigned a vehicle identification number (VIN). This prevents them from being registered with the DMV, so they can be used on streets.
The pocket bike’s physical makeup also prevents it from being street legal. This bike is a sort-of miniature version of a motorcycle that sits lower to the ground with a smaller frame. It’s powered by a small engine using gas or electricity.
Minibikes generally lack the safety and signaling equipment that cars and real motorcyclists must have to travel on public roads and trails. Street-legal vehicles need to have mirrors and turning lights, horns, and road-worthy tires. These requirements are listed in the California Vehicle Code.
There are a few models of minibikes that come equipped with the proper equipment and can be registered with the DMV for street use. Owners should check with the DMV to see if their bikes meet the standards.
Contact a California Minibike Accident Lawyer
If you or a family member is injured in a minibike accident, you can seek help in paying for recovery in some cases. If a business that rented bikes provided an unsafe vehicle or did not properly warn customers of the dangers, you may be able to file a successful injury claim.
If a minibike manufacturer provided a vehicle that had design flaws or safety issues, the maker could be liable. In some cases, a property owner who provides an unsafe track and allows people in to ride on an unsafe surface or a ramp could bear responsibility.
Maison Law offers a free consultation to all injured victims and their families. It’s a no-risk way to find out what’s possible after a devastating pocket bike accident.
If you require our help to win more for you to help you pay your medical bills, you won’t need any money to hire us. Maison Law works on a contingency basis for victims. It means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check an insurer for those at fault must write.
