With weather getting warmer more eBikes are hitting the road. In 2025, California e-bike laws clarify the definition of an electric bicycle and introduce new regulations regarding speed, power, and throttle restrictions. Specifically, e-bikes are now limited to 750 watts and cannot be modified to exceed 20 mph on motor power alone, with some exceptions for Class 3 e-bikes that can reach 28 mph with pedal assist.
Key Changes in 2025:
- Definition of an “Electric Bicycle”: The law clarifies that an e-bike must have functional pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less.
- Speed and Power Limits: E-bikes cannot be modified to exceed 20 mph on motor power alone or to have a motor exceeding 750 watts.
- Definition of an “Electric Bicycle”: The law clarifies that an e-bike must have functional pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less.
- Throttle Restrictions: Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and cannot have a throttle.
- Safety Certification: E-bike batteries must be certified for safety by 2026.
- Non-Compliant E-bikes: E-bikes exceeding these limitations cannot be marketed or sold as “electric bicycles”.
- Age and Helmet Restrictions: Class 3 e-bikes require riders to be 16 years or older and all riders must wear helmets.
- E-bike Classes and Restrictions: Each e-bike class has specific legal restrictions on where they can be ridden, with Class 1 being most restrictive and Class 3 being more flexible on public roads.
SB 1271: This bill, which took effect on January 1, 2025, is the primary legislation that introduced these changes. It can be found on the California Legislature website.
