If your electric bicycle can travel at speeds above 28 miles per hour and does not fall within any of the following classes described below. Your bike is considered an “out of class electric vehicle” and is illegal to operate on public roadways and thoroughfares.
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a fully operable pedal and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, and is categorized by the following:
- Class 1 electric bicycle is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2 electric bicycle is equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 3 electric bicycle is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour. This bicycle is equipped with a speedometer.
A person riding an electric bicycle is subject to the same provisions as a person riding a bicycle and must follow the rules of the road that a vehicle must follow, as described in Chapter 1 of Division 11, commencing with Section 21200 CVC.
- Must be 16 years of age or older to ride a Class 3 electric bicycle.
- A person under the age of 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when riding on a public roadway or bikeway.
- When riding a Class 3 electric bicycle, must wear a helmet regardless of age.
- It is unlawful to operate an electric bicycle on a roadway while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- No driver’s license is required to ride an electric bicycle.
- Tampering with or modifying your e-bike battery or speed settings could result in illegal modification leading to potential injury or death.
- California law requires that manufacturers clearly list key information like the bike’s top speed and design type on a label.
Commander Ritchie Lew
Traffic Bureau
[email protected]
(805) 583-6960
