E-bikes and speed pedelecs in California (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: California uses the three-class system (20, 20 and 28 mph) with motors up to 750 W, and e-bikes follow bicycle rules without licence, registration or insurance. Class 3 riders must be 16 or older and wear a helmet, as must riders under 18 on any class. Local authorities may limit e-bikes on paths.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Legal classRiding on public roads | Own e-bike class system (class 1, 2 or 3) [1] |
| Minimum ageRiding on public roads | Class 3: 16 years. No age is set for class 1 and 2 in the sections read. [2] |
| HelmetRiding on public roads | Required for everyone on a class 3 e-bike (rider and passenger). Under 18s must wear a bicycle helmet on a bicycle. [2] |
| LicenceRiding on public roads | Not subject to the driver licence provisions of the Vehicle Code, and not a motor vehicle. [3] |
| Plate and insuranceRiding on public roads | Not subject to the financial responsibility, registration or licence plate provisions, and not a motor vehicle. [3] |
| Cycle pathsRiding on public roads | E-bike riders are subject to the bicycle article. Local authorities may prohibit e-bikes or a class on equestrian, hiking and recreational trails, and the Department of Parks and Recreation may do so on bicycle paths and trails in its jurisdiction. [4] |
| E-bike classesRiding on public roads | Three classes: class 1 (pedal assist) and class 2 (throttle) stop assisting at 20 mph, class 3 (pedal assist) at 28 mph and must have a speedometer. Class 1 and 3 may have a walk mode up to 3.7 mph. [1] |
| Maximum motor powerRiding on public roads | The motor may not exceed 750 watts. A vehicle modified, or intended by the maker to be modifiable, to exceed 750 watts is not an electric bicycle. [1] |
Notes
- Class 1: motor assists only while pedalling, up to 20 mph. Class 2: motor may propel the bike alone, up to 20 mph. Class 3: motor assists only while pedalling, up to 28 mph. Motor under 750 W. Class 1 and 3 may have a walk mode up to 3.7 mph.
- Section 21213 was read in an Internet Archive snapshot of 2023. A later amendment (Stats. 2024, ch. 791) amended section 312.5 and was not checked against section 21213.
- Section 312.5(b) subjects electric bicycle riders to the bicycle article, which contains section 21212 (helmets for under 18s). Snapshot of 2023.
Sources
- California Legislative Information: California Vehicle Code section 312.5 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information: California Vehicle Code section 21213 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2023) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information: California Vehicle Code section 24016 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2023) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- California Legislative Information: California Vehicle Code section 21207.5 (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
California and neighbouring states
| State | Legal class | Minimum age | Helmet | Licence | Plate and insurance | Cycle paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Class 1-3, bicycle rules | Class 3: 16 | Class 3 all; under 18 | None | Not required | Local rules may limit |
| Arizona | Class 1-3, bicycle rules | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | None | Not required | Class 3 restricted |
| Nevada | Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not a motor vehicle | Not registered | Allowed, local limits |
| Oregon | Bicycle | ⚠ Not yet verified | Under 16 | Bicycle, not motor vehicle | Bicycle, not motor vehicle | Bicycle lanes; not on sidewalks |
More rules in California
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal, 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Up to 6 plants, 21+
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph (2-lane undivided)
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (instruction permit)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (state-approved "safe and sane" only) · Minimum age to buy: 16 (safe and sane fireworks)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Dagger only if blade exposed and locked · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade of 2 in or more banned; thumb-stud OK
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.90 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, age 16+ · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, age 16+
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.01% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.