In nearly all states, riders do not need a license to operate an electric bike. However, riders of Class 3 e-Bikes in New Jersey need a license, and e-Bike users in Hawaii will need to pay a $30 registration fee.
New E-Bike Laws in the US: March 2025 Update
Written by: Rémy Rossi | March 28, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Are you up to date with e-Bike laws in your area? As we start the spring riding season, here’s a guide to some of the newest e-Bike regulations in the US.
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.
The landscape of e-Bike laws is constantly shifting, and that tectonic movement is generally a good thing as governments respond to growing ridership. More people on bikes is what Upway is all about, and cities and states have been mostly moving in the right direction when it comes to e-Bike laws. Here’s a springtime update on some of the latest and most newsworthy electric bike regulations that may affect you!
2025 has been a big year for e-Bikes so far
This year has already welcomed quite a bit of e-Bike news as ridership increases and governments are busy introducing incentive programs and regulating some loose ends across the industry. For example, California finally launched its much-anticipated e-Bike voucher program and passed new legislation on Class 3 e-Bikes. Meanwhile, dense cities like New York City have been trying to limit the amount of unsafe e-Bikes and batteries that have filtered onto the streets.
Below, I’ll cover a selection of the most relevant stories when it comes to new e-Bike rules and regulations. I can’t cover all the latest laws, of course, but I’ll catch you up on a handful of highlights that may affect you or indicate trends for subsequent e-Bike laws across the country.
California
After a bit of a lull in terms of e-Bike goings-on, California is a hotbed of activity in early 2025. The Golden State’s e-Bike incentive program finally broke free from its bureaucratic red tape and released its first round of sweet, sweet vouchers. A new e-Bike class law— SB No.1271— came into effect on January 1, 2025, and narrows the definition of Class 3 e-Bikes in the state. It’s now crystal clear that a Class 3 e-Bike cannot also have a throttle in addition to the 28 mph pedal assist capabilities.
Orange County
Starting in April, Orange County in California will also tighten up its regulations on electric bikes. Any motorized bike that produces more than 750 watts of power will fall outside of the e-Bike category and will be subject to relevant rules and license requirements.
This announcement agrees with the aforementioned rule changes across the entire state, and Orange County will be specifically targeting ultra-fast modified e-Bikes that can reach speeds up to 50 mph or more. For users of standard electric bikes (like the ones sold by Upway), you’ll have nothing to worry about and are riding well within the law!
This announcement agrees with the aforementioned rule changes across the entire state, and Orange County will be specifically targeting ultra-fast modified e-Bikes that can reach speeds up to 50 mph or more. For users of standard electric bikes (like the ones sold by Upway), you’ll have nothing to worry about and are riding well within the law!
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San Diego
Cities in San Diego County have moved to ban children under the age of 12 from operating e-Bikes. Many e-Bike manufacturers already place age requirements or warnings on their products, but these new rules are an attempt to boost child safety and reduce traffic incidents.
Specifically, the San Diego County city of Coronado passed this program in January, which it hopes will be adopted by other cities in the area. Kids under 12 are prohibited from operating a Class 1 e-Bike or Class 2 e-Bike that can reach a top speed of 20 mph— and I assume this rule applies to faster Class 3 e-Bikes, too.
New York
From NYC congestion pricing to a delivery worker e-Bike program, New York has a ton going on when it comes to electric bikes. The latest gossip is Gov. Hochul’s plans to enforce additional regulations on especially heavy e-Bikes. The exact proposal is still in the works, but take aim at Class 3 models that weigh over 100 pounds due to their fast speeds and extra heft, which makes them more dangerous in collisions.
As policy critics have already pointed out, there are not actually that many Class 3 models that weigh more than 100 pounds, and throttle-equipped Class 2 e-Bikes may be a more appropriate target. Similar to Orange County, the objective is to crack down on modified and unregulated electric bikes that are significantly faster and heavier than the normal models manufactured by the top brands or processed by Upway. We’ll just have to see how this New York State proposal turns out in the coming months.
As policy critics have already pointed out, there are not actually that many Class 3 models that weigh more than 100 pounds, and throttle-equipped Class 2 e-Bikes may be a more appropriate target. Similar to Orange County, the objective is to crack down on modified and unregulated electric bikes that are significantly faster and heavier than the normal models manufactured by the top brands or processed by Upway. We’ll just have to see how this New York State proposal turns out in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license for an electric bike?
Key Takeaways
- California Expands Incentives & Tightens Rules: The state launched its e-Bike voucher program and clarified that Class 3 e-Bikes cannot have throttles. Orange County is cracking down on high-powered modified e-Bikes.
- San Diego City Bans Kids Under 12 from E-Bikes: Coronado now prohibits children under 12 from riding Class 1 and 2 e-Bikes to improve safety and reduce traffic incidents.
- New York Targets Heavy E-Bikes: Gov. Hochul plans to regulate Class 3 e-Bikes over 100 pounds, though critics say other approaches may be more effective to increase safety and equity.
