Summary of California Laws  & Bills Pertaining to Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes)

In response to the rapid growth in electric bicycle (e-bike) use, the California Legislature has enacted a series of laws and proposed bills over the past decade to better regulate these devices. Beginning in 2015 with the passage of Assembly Bill 1096, California established a three-class system to categorize e-bikes based on their motor capabilities and operational features. Provided an electric bicycle has a motor of less than 750 watts, it is no longer considered a motor vehicle under California law and is instead regulated as a bicycle, assuming it fits one of the following classifications:

  • Class 1 E-Bike: Pedal-assisted only. The motor assists only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist at 20 mph.

  • Class 2 E-Bike: Equipped with a throttle that can provide assistance regardless of pedaling, but ceases assistance at 20 mph.

  • Class 3 E-Bike: Pedal-assisted, with motor assistance up to 28 mph.

Important Clarification: If an electric vehicle lacks operable pedals, it is not considered an e-bike and may be classified as an electric motorcycle, subject to separate motor vehicle regulations.

Legislative Milestones

AB 1096 (Effective 2016):
Authorized Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on bike paths, bikeways, and bicycle lanes, unless prohibited by local ordinance. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited from such paths unless explicitly permitted by local jurisdictions.

2022 Vehicle Code Update:
Codified that electric bicycles are subject to the same regulations as traditional bicycles, with specific provisions for Class 3 e-bikes:

  • Riders must be at least 16 years old

  • Helmets are required for all riders, regardless of age

  • Passengers are not allowed

AB 1946 (Boerner, 2022) The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has created a online Electric Bicycle Safety Course to help protect commuters and recreational riders.

New Legislation (Effective Dates Specified Below)

SB 1271 (Min) – E-Bike Battery Safety
Effective January 1, 2026

  • Requires all e-bikes sold in California to meet minimum safety standards and be certified by an accredited testing laboratory.

  • Targets fire risks posed by poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries.

  • Clarifies existing e-bike classification definitions.

  • Prohibits mislabeling or false advertising of non-compliant vehicles as e-bikes.

SB 381 - Mandates a study on e-bike safety to inform policy and promote e-bike use. By the Mineta Transportation Institue (MTI) The final report is due to the legislature by January 1, 2026. 

AB 1774 (Dixon) – E-Bike Modification Restrictions
Effective January 1, 2025

  • Prohibits modifications that increase an e-bike’s top assisted speed beyond 28 mph.

  • Requires any reclassified e-bike to be relabeled accordingly.

  • Aims to address unlawful modifications and “off-road” modes that exceed legal limits.

AB 1778 (Connolly) – Marin County Pilot Program
Effective January 1, 2025 – Runs through 2029

  • Allows local governments in Marin County to apply Class 3 restrictions to Class 2 e-bikes.

  • Includes minimum rider age of 16 and mandatory helmet use for all riders.

AB 2234 (Boerner) – San Diego County Pilot Program
Effective January 1, 2025 – Runs through 2029

  • Permits local jurisdictions to prohibit riders under age 12 from operating Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes.

California Legislative Bills

  • AB 1773 (Dixon) - proposed bill to ban e-bikes from public boardwalks did not advance beyond committee.

  • AB 544 (Davies, 2025) - Mandates red reflectors on e-bikes and allows minors cited for helmet violations to complete a CHP safety course in lieu of fines. This bill passed in the Senate Transportation Committee with a 13:0:2 vote and is currently awaiting hearing in the Senate Appropriation Committee.

  • AB 545 (Davies) - This bill adds applications to the list of products that a person cannot sell to modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle (e-bike) such that it no longer meets the statutory definition of an e-bike. Awaiting hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

  • SB 586 (Jones)  - This bill defines an eMoto as an electric two-wheeled device built on a bicycle infrastructure that does not have pedals or an engine number and designates eMotos as off-highway vehicles (OHV) and therefore would require them to display an off-highway identification plate or device issued by the DMV. Awaiting hearing in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

  • AB 875 (Muratsuchi) - This bill authorizes a peace officer to seize and impound an out-of-class electric bicycle (“e-bike”) and empowers a local government to impose charges cover to related costs. Awaiting hearing in the Senate Public Safety Committee.