The Electric Bicycle
Veh. Code 312.5 — three classes under 750 watts, and class 3 rules
In California, an electric bicycle has fully operable pedals and a motor of no more than 750 watts. Class 1 assists only while pedaling and stops at 20 miles per hour; class 2 can be throttle propelled but gives no assistance at 20 miles per hour; class 3 assists only while pedaling, stops at 28 miles per hour, and has a speedometer.
Class 3: sixteen and a helmet. A person under 16 years of age may not operate a class 3 electric bicycle. Anyone operating or riding as a passenger on one on a street, bikeway or public path must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet meeting the ASTM or CPSC standards.
Riders follow the bicycle rules. A person riding an electric bicycle is subject to the article on bicycle operation, and manufacturers label each one with its class, top assisted speed and motor wattage.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionAny e-bike can be ridden at any age | What the law actually doesNo one under 16 years of age on a class 3 |
| The assumptionHelmets are optional for adults | What the law actually doesRequired on a class 3, for operators and passengers |
Local ordinances, park and trail rules, and the rules for mopeds, motor scooters and other motorized devices are not all on this page. Whether a particular machine is an electric bicycle under the definition is a question for a licensed California attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Veh. Code 312.5 — Electric bicycle defined; classes
- Veh. Code 21213 — Class 3 electric bicycles: age and helmets
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.