California
Last updated
California invented the three-class e-bike system in 2015 and still keeps e-bikes firmly in the bicycle category: no license, no registration, and no insurance for Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3. Class 1 gives pedal assist up to 20 mph, Class 2 adds a throttle up to 20 mph, and Class 3 gives pedal assist up to 28 mph with a speedometer required by statute. All three ride with full bicycle rights on roads, in bike lanes, and on bike paths statewide, while sidewalk access is left to each city or county.
There is no statewide minimum age for Class 1 or Class 2, but Class 3 riders must be at least 16. Riders under 18 wear a helmet on any class, and every Class 3 operator and passenger helmets up regardless of age. Since January 1, 2025 under California SB 1271 the state enforces a hard 750-watt cap, and since January 1, 2026 every new e-bike sold must carry a UL-certified battery; pedal-less e-motos are now off-highway vehicles, barred from bike lanes and paths. Beginning January 1, 2028, rental fleets must meet the same certification. The full breakdown is below.
California E-bike Laws
Three classes, no license, no registration, and no insurance. Here is where California stands on e-bikes and the certification rules tightening around them.
California invented the three-class e-bike system in 2015 and has spent the last two years tightening it: a hard 750-watt cap, UL-certified batteries on every new e-bike sold since January 1, 2026, and pedal-less e-motos reclassified as off-highway vehicles. An e-bike that can be modified past 20 mph on motor power alone is, by statute, not an e-bike at all.
The motor assists only while pedaling and cannot be capable of assisting past 20 mph (CVC 312.5).
The throttle may propel the bike on its own, with all assistance cutting out at 20 mph.
Pedal assist to 28 mph, no throttle, and a speedometer is required by statute.
E-bike riders are exempt from driver license provisions for all three classes (CVC 24016).
No DMV registration or license plate; an e-bike is not a motor vehicle (CVC 24016).
Riders are exempt from financial responsibility requirements — coverage stays voluntary, and on you.
No statewide minimum for Class 1 or Class 2; nobody under 16 may operate a Class 3 (CVC 21213). San Diego County and Marin County pilots can add local age rules through January 1, 2029.
Riders under 18 helmet up on any class (CVC 21212); every Class 3 operator and passenger wears one regardless of age (CVC 21213).
Where You Can Ride
- Roads & bike lanesAll three classes ride with full bicycle rights and duties (CVC 21200).
- Bike paths & trailsAll three classes are allowed on bike paths statewide since California AB 1909; local authorities may close equestrian, hiking, or recreational trails by ordinance (CVC 21207.5).
- SidewalksNo statewide rule — each city or county decides (CVC 21206), and many ban riding in business districts.
- State parksE-bikes ride where bicycles do unless posted; State Parks may prohibit any class on a given trail.
- E-motos (no pedals)Since January 1, 2026, pedal-less electric motorcycles are off-highway vehicles under California SB 586 — no bike lanes, no bike paths, and out-of-class two-wheelers risk a 48-hour impound.
Rental Fleets Must Be Certified
California SB 1271's second phase kicks in January 1, 2028: no one may rent out an e-bike, charging system, or storage battery unless it is tested to ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 or EN 15194. The retail-sale version of the rule has applied since January 1, 2026.
Effective January 1, 2025 under California SB 1271. Statutes: CVC 312.5, 21207.5, 21212, 21213, 24016. Cities and park districts can add their own path and trail restrictions — check signage where you ride. Last reviewed June 2026.