Are Electric Bikes Street Legal in California? 2025 Rules, Classes & Limits

Are Electric Bikes Legal to Ride on California Streets in 2025?

Yes, electric bikes are street legal in California. But they must follow specific state laws and rules. The rules for e-bike riders changed a lot with new laws that started in 2025, making it more important than ever to understand what you need to do. These laws help keep everyone safe by clearly explaining what an e-bike is and where you can ride it.

This guide covers California's e-bike classes, the important 2025 updates, speed limits, where you can legally ride, and how to make sure you and your bike follow all the rules.

Understanding California's 3-Class E-Bike System

California's e-bike law uses a three-class system. This system groups e-bikes based on how fast they can go with motor help and how the motor works. Every new e-bike sold legally in California must have a permanent sticker from the maker that clearly shows its class, motor power, and top speed with assistance.

Knowing which class your bike is helps you understand the specific rules that apply to you. This grouping is important because all other rules—from helmet laws to where you can ride—are based on it.

What’s New in California E-Bike Laws for 2025?

California made big changes to e-bike laws for 2025 because of safety concerns about illegally changed and overpowered electric bikes. This recent e-bike safety legislation helps create a clear difference between legal e-bikes and uncontrolled electric motorcycles, making sure that vehicles on bike paths are safe and predictable.

For riders, understanding these changes is essential for staying legal.

Here are the key updates every California e-bike rider needs to know:

1. Strict 750W Power Limit: The law keeps the maximum power output for an e-bike motor at 750 watts (1 horsepower). Any electric two-wheeled vehicle with a motor over this limit is no longer legally called an "electric bicycle." It is instead considered an unregistered motor vehicle and is illegal to use on public roads or bike paths.

2. New Throttle Rules: This is one of the biggest changes. While Class 2 e-bikes can still use a throttle up to 20 mph, the rules for Class 1 and Class 3 are now much stricter. They can only have a throttle if it is used for a low-speed "walk mode" or start-up help, cutting off at just 3.7 mph. This change, part of California Assembly Bill 1774, makes Class 1 and Class 3 bikes pedal-assist only during active riding.

3. Ban on "Unlocking" and Changes: It is now clearly illegal for anyone to sell, install, or offer to install any device or software that bypasses the factory-set speed or power limits of a legal e-bike. This targets "speed unlock" kits and software hacks that turn legal e-bikes into illegal motor vehicles.

4. Required Speedometers for Class 3: All new Class 3 e-bikes sold in California must come with a working speedometer from the maker. This lets riders watch their speed and make sure they are following the 28 mph assisted speed limit.

California E-Bike Speed Limits and Where You Can Ride

Knowing how fast you can go and where you can ride is important for safe and legal e-biking in California. The rules change a lot based on your e-bike's class and the type of road or path you are on.

On Public Roads

All three classes of e-bikes (Class 1, 2, and 3) can generally be used on most public roads, streets, and in standard Class II bike lanes (the painted lanes on the side of a road). When riding on a roadway, you must follow all posted speed limits and traffic laws, just like a car or regular bicycle. The e-bike's motor help must cut off at its class limit (20 mph for Class 1/2, 28 mph for Class 3), but you can go faster than that through your own pedaling power or by going downhill, as long as you do not go over the legal speed limit for that road.

In Protected Bikeways and Trails

This is where the rules become more complex. For Class IV protected bikeways (those separated from traffic by a physical barrier) and multi-use trails shared with walkers, local authorities can set their own rules.

• Class 3 e-bikes are generally not allowed on these paths unless a local law specifically permits them. This is the default state rule.
• Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are typically allowed on these paths. However, local agencies can post lower speed limits, often 15 mph, for all users on shared-use trails. Always look for posted signs at trail starts.

On Sidewalks

Riding any class of e-bike on a sidewalk is illegal in nearly all California cities. Sidewalks are for people walking. Illegally riding on the sidewalk is a common mistake for new riders and can result in a big fine.

California Rider Rules: What You Need to Know

Following the rules isn't just about the bike; it's also about the person riding it. California has specific rules that every e-bike rider must follow to keep themselves and others safe.

Age Rules

The age requirements are tied directly to the e-bike class.

• Class 3: You must be at least 16 years old to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
• Class 1 & 2: There is no state minimum age for riding a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike. However, parents should know that local cities or counties can make their own age rules, so it's smart to check local rules before letting a minor ride.

Helmet Laws

Helmet rules also depend on the class and are strictly enforced.

• Class 3: Helmets are required for all riders of any age.
• Class 1 & 2: Helmets are required for riders under the age of 18.

While not legally required for adults on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, we strongly recommend that all riders wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride.

Licensing and Insurance

One of the major benefits of riding a legal e-bike is the lack of paperwork. In California, you do not need a driver's license, vehicle registration, or liability insurance to ride a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike. This is a key difference between a legal e-bike and a moped or motorcycle.

DUI Laws

Do not ride an e-bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs. California's DUI laws (CVC 21200.5) apply to cyclists, including e-bike riders. A conviction carries serious penalties, including fines and potential suspension of your driver's license, a fact confirmed by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) guidelines.

Local E-Bike Rules and City Restrictions in California

While state law provides a clear baseline for e-bike use, it is not the full story. California law lets cities, counties, and parks districts make stricter local laws. This means the rules can change from one city to the next, or even from a street to a nearby beach path. For example, a Class 2 e-bike may be perfectly legal on a street in Irvine, but not allowed on a specific trail within the city's regional park system.

From our own experience, this is where many well-meaning riders get into trouble. Before a recent ride along the American River Parkway in Sacramento, we did a quick check and found a local 15 mph speed limit for all users, an important piece of information not found in the state vehicle code. Here's how you can do the same.

How to Check Local Rules:

1. Visit City or County Websites: Start by checking the official website for the city or county where you plan to ride. Look for the Parks and Recreation or Public Works department pages, as they often manage trails and bike paths.

2. Search the Municipal Code: Use the search function on the city's website for terms like "e-bike," "electric bicycle," or "motorized bicycle." This can help you find the specific local law.

3. Look for Signs: When you arrive at a trail, park, or beach path, always look for posted signs at the entrance. These signs will list any specific rules, such as speed limits or e-bike restrictions.

Why Some Electric Motorcycles Are Illegal in California

A growing point of confusion is the line between a powerful e-bike and an electric motorcycle. Brands like Sur-Ron, Talaria, and other high-power models are often sold in a way that blurs this line, but California law is crystal clear.

If an electric two-wheeled vehicle meets any of the following criteria, it is not an e-bike and is considered an illegal motor vehicle if used on public roads or trails without proper registration and licensing:

• It has a motor more powerful than 750 watts.
• It lacks working pedals. The law clearly requires that a vehicle have pedals to be classified as an electric bicycle.
• It can exceed 28 mph with motor help alone.

These vehicles are legally considered off-highway vehicles (OHVs) or motorcycles. Using one on a public street, bike lane, or multi-use trail can lead to serious consequences, including large fines, vehicle taking, and a citation for driving an unregistered vehicle without a license.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a license to ride an e-bike in California?

No, you do not need a driver's license, registration, or insurance to ride a legal Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike in California.

2. Can I use a throttle on my Class 3 e-bike?

No, as of 2025, throttles on Class 3 e-bikes are only legal for a low-speed "walk mode" that helps up to 3.7 mph. You cannot use a throttle to move the bike while riding. The same rule applies to Class 1 e-bikes. Only Class 2 e-bikes can use a throttle for movement up to 20 mph.

3. What is the penalty for changing my e-bike to go faster?

It is now illegal in California to sell or install a device that bypasses the factory speed or power limits. If you change your bike to exceed 750W or the class speed limits, it is no longer a legal e-bike and can be ticketed as an unregistered motor vehicle.

4. Are there any age restrictions for e-bikes?

Yes, you must be 16 or older to ride a Class 3 e-bike. There is no state age limit for Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, but local laws may have their own restrictions.

5. Where are Class 3 e-bikes allowed?

Class 3 e-bikes are allowed on public roadways and in standard on-street bike lanes. They are generally not allowed on protected bike paths and multi-use trails unless a local authority has specifically passed a law to permit them. Always check local signs.