California e-bike laws
Every statement below links to the law or agency page it comes from. This is a summary for riders, not legal advice, and local rules can be stricter than the state.
- Classes this state recognises
- California defines three classes of electric bicycle. All three must have fully operable pedals and a motor of no more than 750 watts.
- Source: California Vehicle Code 312.5
- Speed limits by class
- Class 1 assists only while you pedal and stops assisting at 20 mph. Class 2 can be propelled by throttle alone and stops assisting at 20 mph. Class 3 assists only while you pedal, stops assisting at 28 mph, and must have a speedometer.
- Source: California Vehicle Code 312.5
- Licence
- No driver's license is required. An electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle under the Vehicle Code.
- Source: California Vehicle Code 24016
- Insurance
- No financial responsibility requirement, which means no insurance is required to ride.
- Source: California Vehicle Code 24016
- Helmets
- Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet on any bicycle. In addition, every rider and passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle must wear a helmet at any age.
- Source: California Vehicle Code 21212; California Vehicle Code 21213
- Class 3 restrictions
- Nobody under 16 may operate a class 3 electric bicycle.
- Source: California Vehicle Code 21213
- Local authority exceptions
- Local authorities can change where you may ride. A local authority or public agency with jurisdiction over an equestrian, hiking or recreational trail may prohibit any class of electric bicycle on that trail by ordinance, and the Department of Parks and Recreation may prohibit them on paths within its jurisdiction. Check locally before riding a trail.
- Source: California Vehicle Code 21207.5