Electric Mobility Devices
E-Bikes, E-Devices, and Shared Use Mobility
The use of electric bikes and electric mobility devices has surged in popularity due to their convenience for short-distance travel, cost-effectiveness, and perceived environmental benefits. There has been an increase in electric mobility devices on the City’s roadways, designated bikeways, and hillside trails over recent years, prompting discussions and concerns regarding their proper use, the need for additional enforcement, and stricter regulations.
As a result, in February 2026, City Council approved an ordinance to update the Burbank Municipal Code (BMC) to clarify device definitions, outline where devices can go, and enable more effective enforcement and education.
Device Definitions
Electric Bicycle: A bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. There are 3 Classes of electric bike:
- Class 1 –Pedal-assisted electric bike with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycles reaches 20 miles per hour
- Class 2 – Throttle-assisted electric bike with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycles reaches 20 miles per hour
- Class 3 – Pedal-assisted electric bike with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycles reaches 28 miles per hour (CVC 312.5)
Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device: A self-balancing, nontandem two-wheeled device, that is not greater than 20 inches deep and 25 inches wide and can turn in place, designed to transport only one person, with an electric propulsion system averaging less than 750 watts (1 horsepower), the maximum speed of which, when powered solely by a propulsion system on a paved level surface, is no more than 12.5 miles per hour (CVC 313). Segways, electrified wheelchairs and mobility aid devices are examples of this type of device.
Electrically Motorized Board: Any wheeled device that has a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding that is not greater than 60 inches deep and 18 inches wide, is designed to transport only one person, and has an electric propulsion system averaging less than 1,000 watts, the maximum speed of which, when powered solely by a propulsion system on a paved level surface, is no more than 20 miles per hour. The device may be designed to also be powered by human propulsion (CVC 313.5). Electric skateboards are an example of this type of device.
Low-Speed Vehicle: A motor vehicle that has four wheels, can attain a speed of between 20 and 25 miles per hour, and has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds. A “low-speed vehicle” is also known as a “neighborhood electric vehicle” (CVC 385.5).
Motor-driven cycle: Any motorcycle with a motor that displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters. A motor-driven cycle does not include a motorized bicycle, as defined in Section 406. (CVC 405)
Motorized Bicycle or Moped: A two-wheeled or three-wheeled device with an automatic transmission and a motor that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground. They may or may not have pedals. (CVC 406)
Motorized Scooter: Any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has either a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding or a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard, and is powered by an electric motor. This device may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion. A similar device not powered solely by electric power is also considered a motorized scooter (CVC 407.5). Electric scooters, whether personally owned or rented from an e-scooter sharing app or business, are considered Motorized Scooters.
Pocket Bike: A two-wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, and that is not designed or manufactured for highway use. “Pocket bike” does not include an off-highway motorcycle. (CVC 473)
Device Rules and Restrictions
View an outline of where devices are permitted, and other restrictions.
Shared Use Mobility
While privately-owned electric bicycles and scooters are permitted in certain locations, shared use mobility scooters and bicycles are not permitted in Burbank. If you see a shared use bicycle or scooter and would like it removed please use the following forms:
Any other inquiries regarding shared use mobility can be directed to the City's Transportation Division line at (818) 238-5290.
Both shared use and private scooters are banned on bike paths such as the Chandler Bikeway and the Burbank Channel Bikeway.
