Are Class 3 E-Bikes Legal in California? 2025 Update
Written by: Rémy Rossi | February 11, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Class 3 e-Bikes are legal in California, but there are restrictions on where you can ride. Plus, I’ll update you on CA’s new electric bike law that came into effect this January.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
But if you own a Class 3 e-Bike, there’s no need to worry— that is, as long as your e-Bike actually follows Class 3 protocol. Class 3 electric bikes are legal in California but may be prohibited on some slower multi-use paths and trails. In this article, I’ll break down Class 3 e-Bike rules in California and the state’s new 2025 electric bike law.
What is a Class 3 electric bike?
According to California law, a Class 3 electric bike is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, with a maximum assistance speed of 28 mph. This means that there’s no throttle, although the law allows for a start assistance or walk mode.
California’s new 2025 e-Bike law
The Golden State’s new bill, SB No. 1271, came into effect on January 1, 2025, and covers new e-Bike regulations. One of the most important parts of the bill is the clarification of the definition of an “electric bicycle” and the three-class system of e-Bikes to limit the models that can have throttles. E-Bikes in California are now officially limited to 750 watts of power and may not be modified to attain a speed greater than 20 mph on motor power alone.
The sticky situation is that, up until now, there have been a lot of electric bikes (mostly from young or low-budget brands) that did not squarely fall into the three-class system and circumvented speed restrictions. I have personally seen many e-Bikes that combine different classes— for example, a Class 3 e-Bike capable of reaching 28 mph on pedal assist as well as 20 mph via throttle (which means Class 2). Other e-Bikes can be easily “unlocked” after purchase, allowing for the use of a throttle or increasing maximum speeds beyond the legal limit.
Are Class 3 e-Bikes legal in California?
California law stipulates that you must be age 16 or older to operate a Class 3 e-Bike and wear a helmet, as well as follow the rules of the road like going with the flow of traffic and obeying lights and signs.
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Enforcement vs. common sense
California is taking a stance on bicycle and vehicle safety, narrowing the definition of an “electric bicycle” so that faster vehicles will be subject to more strict regulations, even if they appear like the e-Bikes we are used to. If you have a need for speed, you’ll need to have the right registrations or licenses required, too. Upway has a huge selection of legal Class 3 e-Bikes so you can find the perfect new or used electric bike for your next California two-wheeled adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Class 3 e-Bikes Are Legal but Restricted: Class 3 electric bikes (pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph) remain legal in California, but some multi-use paths and trails may prohibit them. Riders must be at least 16 and wear a helmet.
- New 2025 E-Bike Law Tightens Regulations: California’s SB No. 1271 bill reinforces the three-class e-Bike system, limits motor power to 750 watts, and prohibits modifications that exceed 20 mph on throttle mode.
- Safety and Enforcement Remain Key Issues: California is prioritizing safety by further defining electric bicycles and restricting high-speed models. Riders should prioritize responsible riding to avoid legal and safety risks.
