Reply #15: CHP treats them as motorcycles, not mopeds

[Xithras]

I don't know who made that call or why, but these things require an M1 endorsement (full motorcycle license) instead of the more lenient M2 (moped). I have heard that enforcement of this varies across the state, but there was a news article on the local TV news recently where they mentioned that the CHP HQ in Sacramento had advised law enforcement statewide that these things qualify as motorcycles, and that they should be treated as such.

One of the most common reasons for being stopped (besides the fact that none of them are street legal and have plates) is that the riders also notoriously ignore the states motocycle helmet laws. Helmets are REQUIRED for all motorcycle and moped riders in California, and very, very few pocket bike owners bother to put one on.

If you get popped riding one of these on the public street, you can really get nailed financially if the cop feels like writing you up for everything.