Safe Riding Guidance
Class 1 (Pedal Assist)
Pedal-assist only, motor stops at 20 mph. Great for traditional bike paths.
No age minimum; helmet for under 18.
Class 2 (Throttle)
Throttle and pedal-assist, motor stops at 20 mph. Offers boost without pedaling, good for stop-and-go.
No age minimum; helmet for under 18.
Class 3 (Speed Pedal Assist)
Pedal-assist only, motor stops at 28 mph. Faster, ideal for commuters.
- Must be 16+, helmet for all ages, no passengers
CA E-bike Laws
General Rules & Requirements:
- No License/Registration: E-bikes are exempt from these unless they exceed 750W or are modified.
- Motor Limit: Max 750 watts for street-legal e-bikes.
- Helmets: Mandatory for all riders under 18; required for all Class 3 riders.
- Traffic Laws: E-bike riders must follow the same rules as cyclists (lights, signs, passing).
- Bike Lanes: E-bikes (including Class 3) can use bike lanes/paths unless local rules prohibit them.
- Passengers: Prohibited on all e-bikes.
New Laws (Effective Jan 1, 2026):
- Parental Liability: Parents/guardians can be fined for their minor's e-bike violations (e.g., no helmet).
- Visibility: All e-bikes must have a red reflector or a red rear light with a reflector.
- Safety Focus: New laws target minors, unsafe e-bikes (like modified Surrons), and require safety education for fines.