Tahoe National Forest
| Tahoe National Forest 631 Coyote Street Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-4531 (voice) (530) 478-6118 (TDD) |
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Information Concerning "Pocket Bikes"
What is a "Pocket Bike"? 
A pocket bike is a two wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and that is not designated or manufactured for highway use. Pocket bikes do not include an off-highway motorcycle as defined in section 436 of the Vehicle Code.
Is my "Pocket Bike" Allowed on Public Land?
No. Recent legislation prohibits pocket bikes from being operated on public land. Section 21720 is added to the California Vehicle Code to read, “A pocket bike shall not be operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off-highway motor vehicle use.”
What will happen if I'm caught riding my "Pocket Bike" on Public Land?
Recent legislation allows for peace officers to seize the bike and hold it for a maximum of 48 hours. The violator shall be responsible for all costs associated with the removal, seizure and storage.
Additionally, new legislation requires the manufacturer of the pocket bike to place a sticker on the bike that reads,
THE POCKET BIKE YOU HAVE PURCHASED OR OBTAINED IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM BEING OPERATED ON A SIDEWALK, ROADWAY, OR ANY OTHER PART OF A HIGHWAY, OR ON A BIKEWAY, BICYCLE PATH OR TRAIL, EQUESTRIAN TRAIL, HIKING OR RECREATIONAL TRAIL, OR ON PUBLIC LANDS OPEN TO OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE USE. A VIOLATION OF THIS REGULATION MAY RESULT IN PROSECUTION AND SEIZURE OF THE DEVICE.
Related Information
USDA Forest Service - Tahoe National Forest
Last Modified: Friday, 16 March 2007 at 12:13:22 EDT Friday, 16 March 2007 at 12:13:22 EDT