Everything You Should Know About California E-Bike Laws in 2025

California e-bike laws in 2025 define the rules and restrictions for electric bikes, including power limits, speed caps, and classifications to ensure safety and legal riding. These laws classify e-bikes into three classes based on motor assistance and speed, restrict motor power to 750 watts, and regulate throttle use, helmet requirements, and rider age, shaping how Californians can legally and safely enjoy their electric bikes.

What Are the Three Classes of Electric Bikes in California and How Do They Differ?

California classifies electric bikes into three classes based on motor function and speed:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, providing motor assistance up to 20 mph, with no throttle allowed.
• Class 2: Equipped with a throttle allowing motor assistance without pedaling, limited to 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with motor assistance up to 28 mph, no throttle allowed.

These classifications regulate how e-bikes operate on public roads and trails and affect helmet and age requirements.

How Does the 750-Watt Motor Power Limit Affect E-Bike Eligibility?

Under California law, all electric bikes must have motors that do not exceed 750 watts of power. E-bikes with higher wattage motors or speeds exceeding legal thresholds are not considered bicycles and are subject to different regulations. The motor power limit ensures that e-bikes remain safe, manageable, and distinct from motorcycles or mopeds.

Chart: California E-Bike Motor and Speed Limits

What Are the New Throttle Restrictions Effective in 2025?

Starting in 2025, California law mandates that Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes must be pedal-assist only, with no throttle functionality. Class 2 bikes can retain throttles but only up to 20 mph. This change aims to improve rider control and safety, preventing e-bikes from exceeding safe speeds without rider effort.

Who Is Required to Wear Helmets and What Are the Age Restrictions?

Helmet use is mandatory for all Class 3 e-bike riders regardless of age. For Class 1 and 2, helmet laws align more closely with regular bicycles but wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. California law requires riders to be at least 16 years old to operate Class 3 e-bikes, while there is no minimum age for Class 1 and 2 bikes, though local jurisdictions may have additional rules.

Where Are E-Bikes Allowed to Operate in California?

E-bikes are generally allowed on roadways, bike lanes, and many multi-use paths, but Class 3 e-bikes may face restrictions on some bike paths and trails where pedal-assist speed limits exceed 20 mph. Local ordinances may further regulate e-bike access to parks or trails, so riders should check specific area rules.

How Are Battery Safety and Testing Regulations Changing in 2025?

By January 1, 2026, all electric bike batteries sold in California must pass safety testing and certification to reduce fire risks and improve consumer safety. Rental companies must also use certified bikes and batteries by 2028. These measures ensure that e-bikes meet high safety standards, protecting riders and the environment.

What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliance with E-Bike Laws?

Operating an e-bike that exceeds motor power or speed limits, or using prohibited throttle functions, can result in fines, confiscation, or restricted use. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly enforcing these laws, especially concerning youth riders and higher-speed motorized bikes marketed misleadingly as e-bikes. Ensuring compliance avoids penalties and promotes public safety.

How Do 26-inch and 27-inch E-Bike Models Relate to California’s Laws?

TST EBike models featuring 26-inch tires suit rougher terrains like sand and snow, typically configured to meet California’s 750-watt and speed requirements. The 27-inch models, better for commuting and mountain biking, also comply with state power and safety rules. Selecting models within legal classes ensures smooth, lawful riding in California’s diverse conditions.

Buying Tips

When choosing an e-bike compliant with California laws:

• Verify motor power does not exceed 750 watts and that the bike fits Class 1, 2, or 3 definitions.
• Select models with appropriate throttle modes for your intended class.
• Prioritize safety features like reliable brakes and required lighting.
• Confirm helmet requirements and age limits for your use case.
• Consider trusted brands like TST EBike, which offer compliant, high-quality 26-inch and 27-inch models supported by robust quality control.
• Check for battery safety certification to future-proof your purchase.

TST EBike Expert Views

“A clear understanding of California’s evolving e-bike laws is essential for riders,” states a TST EBike spokesperson. “Our brand focuses on delivering electric bikes that meet stringent legal and safety standards, such as the 750-watt motor limit and class-based speed restrictions. With models available in 26-inch and 27-inch sizes, we provide riders with reliable options for both urban and rugged terrain riding while ensuring full compliance.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a license or registration to ride an electric bike in California?
A: No license or registration is required for Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes under California law.

Q: Can I modify my e-bike’s motor to go faster than allowed?
A: Modifying an e-bike to exceed allowed motor power or speeds voids legal classification and can lead to penalties.

Q: Are e-bikes allowed on all bike paths in California?
A: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes generally are, but Class 3 e-bikes may be restricted on certain bike paths or trails.

Q: What helmet requirements apply to electric bike riders?
A: Helmets are mandatory for all Class 3 riders and recommended for Class 1 and 2.

Q: How is battery safety ensured for California e-bikes?
A: Beginning in 2026, all e-bike batteries sold in California must pass safety testing and certification.

What are the laws for e-bikes in California 2025?
In 2025, California law limits e-bikes to motors of 750 watts or less with three classes: Class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph, no throttle), Class 2 (throttle assist up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist only up to 28 mph, no throttle, riders 16+ must wear helmets). Batteries must meet new safety certification by 2026.

What are the changes in the California e-bike law?
Key changes include banning throttles on Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes, restricting Class 2 throttles to 20 mph, capping motor power at 750 watts, and requiring all e-bike batteries sold in California be safety tested and certified by 2026. The law also targets illegal high-speed mopeds marketed as e-bikes and aims to improve youth safety.

Are 750 watt e-bikes legal in California?
Yes, e-bikes with motors up to 750 watts are legal in California. This is the maximum power allowed for the official e-bike classifications. Bikes exceeding this power or speed limits may be categorized as motorcycles or mopeds and face stricter regulations.

What is the new bicycle law in California?
The new 2025 California e-bike law requires all e-bikes to have pedal-assist motors not exceeding 750 watts, restricts throttle use to Class 2 bikes only up to 20 mph, mandates helmets for Class 3 riders aged 16 and over, and requires battery safety certification for all e-bike batteries sold by 2026.

What Are The California E-Bike Laws For 2025?
California maintains three e-bike classes with updated rules: Class 1 (pedal-assist, max 20 mph, no throttle), Class 2 (throttle assist max 20 mph), Class 3 (pedal-assist max 28 mph, no throttle, helmets for 16+). Motor power capped at 750 watts and batteries must be UL-certified by 2026.

What Are The Class 2 Electric Bike Laws In California?
Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle-powered motor assisting up to 20 mph. Riders do not need to pedal to engage motor assist. Motor power is capped at 750 watts, and these e-bikes follow bicycle helmet and road rules similar to standard bicycles.

How Do E Bike Laws Work In California?
E-bike laws classify bikes into Classes 1, 2, and 3 based on motor type and speed limits, regulate motor wattage (max 750W), throttle use, age limits (16+ for Class 3), and helmet requirements. Violations can lead to confiscation or fines, and battery safety certifications are now mandatory nationwide.

What Are The Class 3 Electric Bike Laws In California?
Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal-assisted motor support up to 28 mph with motors ≤750 watts. Throttles are prohibited on Class 3. Riders must be 16 or older and wear helmets. They are allowed on streets but may be restricted on some bike paths or trails.

What Are The E-Bike Classes In California?

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, max 20 mph, no throttle
• Class 2: Throttle and pedal assist, max 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, max 28 mph, no throttle, helmet required for riders 16+.

What Is The Electric Bike Age Limit In California?
Riders must be 16 or older to ride Class 3 e-bikes. No age restriction exists for Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, but local jurisdictions may impose additional rules.

What Is The California E Bike Incentive Project?
California offers various incentives promoting e-bike adoption, including rebates on purchases for qualifying residents, with funds aimed at reducing emissions and promoting safe transportation, often requiring compliance with 2025 e-bike laws and battery safety standards.

What Defines An Electric Motorcycle?
Electric motorcycles lack operable pedals, have motors typically exceeding 750 watts or speeds over 28 mph, and require registration, licensing, and insurance like gasoline motorcycles. California introduced an “eMoto” category for high-speed two-wheeled electric vehicles without pedals but that are not street legal as bicycles.

California’s e-bike laws in 2025 are designed to balance innovation, rider freedom, and public safety by clearly defining e-bike classes, motor limits, and safety requirements. Understanding these regulations helps riders enjoy the benefits of electric cycling legally and responsibly while encouraging brands like TST EBike to provide compliant, high-quality models tailored to diverse riding needs.