Summary
The 2025 e-bike laws in California redefine where and how electric bicycles can be used. Riders must follow speed caps, wear helmets, and use UL-certified batteries. Breaking these rules can lead to steep fines or limit your legal compensation in an accident. Stay informed, ride safe, and contact a personal injury lawyer if you’re hurt.
Table of Contents
You’re cruising through Los Angeles on your e-bike when flashing lights appear in your mirror. Suddenly, you’re being cited for a rule that didn’t exist last year. The new California e-bike laws for 2025 redefine how electric bicycles are classified, where they can be ridden, and what safety equipment is required.
With tighter speed limits, updated helmet laws, and new licensing standards, these regulations aim to reduce crashes and hold riders and manufacturers accountable. This guide explains the latest updates, helping you stay safe, compliant, and informed as California’s e-bike regulations evolve.
What’s Changed Under California’s 2025 E-Bike Laws
In 2025, California Senate Bill 1271, Assembly Bill 1778 (AB-1778), and Assembly Bill 1774 (AB-1774) introduced major updates to California’s e-bike classification and safety standards.
These new state laws redefine what qualifies as an electric bicycle, tighten power limits, and aim to improve road safety while reducing confusion among riders, law enforcement, and manufacturers. AB-1774 bans aftermarket speed-modification kits.
Updated electric bikes classification system:
- Class 1 (Low-Speed Pedal-Assisted): Pedal-assisted, walk-assist throttle up to 3.7 mph only, max speed 20 mph.
- Class 2 (Low-Speed Throttle-Assisted): Max speed 20 mph, absolute 750-watt cap (no peak power spikes allowed).
- Class 3 (Speed Pedal-Assisted): Pedal-assist only, max speed 28 mph, must include a speedometer.
- Battery and throttle systems must meet UL or EN 15194 certification by January 1, 2026 for sale (owning non-certified bikes remains legal).
Updated Speed, Helmet, and Age Rules
The new California e-bike laws refine how speed, safety gear, and rider age are regulated to reduce crashes and serious injuries. Under the California Vehicle Code (CVC §21213), every rider must comply with these updated safety standards:
- Speed limits: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are capped at 20 mph, while Class 3 models can reach 28 mph only with pedal assist.
- Helmet use: Helmets are mandatory for all riders under 18 and for anyone operating a Class 3 e-bike.
- Age restrictions: Riders under 16 cannot ride Class 3 e-bikes statewide. Local pilot programs in Marin and San Diego counties may impose additional age limits.
- Local enforcement: Los Angeles County police actively monitor compliance on bike paths and city streets.
These speed restrictions and safety rules aim to keep both e-bike riders and pedestrians safer across California’s busy urban areas.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Ride Your E-Bike in California
California DMV and local city ordinances outline where your e-bike is legally allowed to operate to ensure safety and compliance for all riders.
Location | Rules & Restrictions |
Bike lanes & multi-use paths | Allowed for Class 1 e-bikes and Class 2 e-bikes |
Trails & sidewalks | Controlled by local jurisdictions — some cities restrict or ban e-bikes entirely. |
Highways or freeways | Prohibited under all circumstances due to safety risks. |
Penalties and Legal Risks for Non-Compliance
The new California e-bike laws for 2025 impose stricter penalties for riders and retailers who ignore safety and performance regulations. SB No. 1271 now targets reckless riders and unlicensed or modified e-bikes that exceed legal limits. The Office of the State Fire Marshal also introduced new battery safety and UL certification requirements to prevent fires and electrical hazards.
Key penalties include:
- Fines for e-bikes exceeding 750 watts or altered speed governors.
- Misdemeanor charges for tampering with throttles or making unsafe modifications.
- Civil liability if an accident or injury occurs due to non-compliance.
Riders must ensure their equipment meets certification standards before taking it on California roads.
How These Laws Affect Accident Liability
Under the new California e-bike laws, compliance now plays a crucial role in determining liability after an accident. If a rider fails to follow safety or classification rules, insurance companies can use that as evidence of negligence, reducing compensation under California’s comparative fault system.
FAQs About California’s 2025 E-Bike Laws
No. While e-bikes are not classified as motorcycles or mopeds, they must comply with the state’s e-bike classification system and have proper labeling per California Vehicle Code standards.
Yes, but Class 2 e-bikes with a throttle are limited to 20 mph and 750 watts of motor power. Modifying the firmware or adding an aftermarket throttle that exceeds limits can result in fines.
It depends on local jurisdictions. Some areas restrict Class 3 e-bikes from trails. Marin County (AB-1778) and San Diego County (AB-2234) pilot programs may impose additional local restrictions through 2029.
Riders and retailers can face penalties under SB 1271. The Office of the State Fire Marshal requires battery safety testing to reduce fire risks.
Why Legal Support Matters After an E-Bike Accident
After an e-bike crash, riders often face insurance disputes, liability confusion, and mounting medical bills. Working with experienced injury lawyers in Los Angeles makes all the difference. Our team handles insurance negotiations, investigates battery or throttle defects, and fights for full compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Staying informed about the new California e-bike laws is essential to staying safe and legally protected. If you’ve been injured or are struggling with an insurance claim, contact our legal team in Los Angeles today for a free consultation.
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