California Electric Bike Law
We compiled in this page information about the regulations on electric bikes in California. Always consult your local laws about other regulations in place.
At e-Bikery we only sell and service bikes that are considered Street Legal electric bikes in compliance with the current laws of California. Check our service police here
From People for Bikes
Below is a summary of California Electric Bikes Regulation available on People for Bikes website. See the complete document here.
From the California Legislative Information
SB-1271 Electric bicycles, powered mobility devices, and storage batteries. (2023-2024)
This bill will be effective on January 1st, 2026
This bill clarifies that an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with;
- fully operable pedals
- an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power.
The following is not considered an electric bike:
- A vehicle that is modified to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to have motor power of more than 750 watts.
- A vehicle that is modified to have its operable pedals removed.
The bill also clarifies the 3 classes of e-Bikes:
- Class 1: pedal assist only, no throttle. Max 20mph on pedal assist.
- Class 2: pedal assist and throttle. Max 20mph on throttle or pedal assist.
- Class 3: pedal assist only, no throttle. Max 28mph on pedal assist and equipped with a speedometer.
Starting 2026 all e-bike batteries, can only be sold if they have been tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with a standard referenced in ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 or EN 15194.
County specific laws
AB-2234 Vehicles: electric bicycles.(2023-2024) - Specific for the County of San Diego
Adopt an ordinance or resolution that would prohibit a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle.
AB-1778 Vehicles: electric bicycles.(2023-2024) - Specific for County of Marin
Prohibit a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle. Require a person operating a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a bicycle helmet
From DMV e-Bike classification
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/motorcycle-handbook/two-wheel-vehicle-operation/
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Three classes of electric bicycles have been established:
- Class 1: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
- Class 2: A low speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
- Class 3: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached.
The operator of a Class 3 electric bicycle:
Must be 16 years old or older.
Must wear a bicycle safety helmet.
Must not transport passengers.
May ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority or ordinance.
All electric bicycle classes are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, DL, and license plate requirements (CVC §24016).