E-BIKES, E-SCOOTERS AND E-MOTORCYCLES

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E-bikes and e-scooters offer a new, active and convenient way to travel. From personal use to shared service options, there are different types of devices, which is why it is important to understand the rules, laws and safe use of all electric mobility devices.

E-Bikes

An electric bicycle (e-bike) is a bicycle equipped with working pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts.

There are three classes of e-bikes (CVC 312.5(a)):

Type of E-Bike*	Pedal Assist	Speed	Age and Helmet Requirements
Class 1	Yes	Up to 20 mph, no throttle	No age limit. Helmet required for 17 and under.
Class 2	No (throttle or push button)	Up to 20 mph	No age limit. Helmet required for 17 and under.
Class 3	Yes	Up to 28 mph	Must be 16 or older. Helmet required for all ages.

*All e-bikes must have pedals.

New Electric Bicycle Safety Laws as of January 1, 2026

AB 544 – Required Equipment

E-bikes must have a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear during all hours of operation, not just during darkness as the law previously required.
Minors who receive a helmet violation involving electric bicycles may take the CHP-developed online electric bicycle safety and training program to fulfill the safety course requirement.

AB 875 – Vehicle Removal

A peace officer may impound a vehicle for at least 48 hours if:
- The vehicle has fewer than four wheels but does not meet the definition of an electric bicycle.
- Is powered by an electric motor capable of speeds over 20 MPH on a highway and the operator is not licensed to operate the vehicle or is a class 3 electric bicycle being operated by a child under 16 years old. A safety course may be required as a condition of release if the impoundment involves a child under 16 years old operating a class 3 electric bike as described in Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code.

E-Bike Safety Basics Training Video

Where to Ride

The same rules of the road for vehicles apply to e-bikes.
Type 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed on paved areas and multi-use trails. Type 3 e-bikes are prohibited from multi-use trails unless otherwise specified.
Local rules may vary on the use of e-bikes. Check with your town, city or county for local rules and regulations.
California State Parks lists which parks and what class of e-bikes you are allowed to ride.
E-bikes at federal parks are considered motorized vehicles. You may contact the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to learn more about where e-bikes are allowed, including motorized areas and off-highway vehicle trails.

E-Scooters

Like e-bikes, electric scooters (e-scooters) are subject to the same traffic safety laws as bicycles and vehicles.

E-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old and have a valid California Learner’s Permit or Driver’s License. (CVC 21235)
Riders 17 and under must wear a helmet when riding on an e-scooter (CVC 21235).
Riders must not exceed 15 mph on their e-scooter (CVC 22411).
E-scooters may not be ridden on sidewalks. They can be used on bike trails and bike lanes. (CVC 21235 and CVC 21229).
E-scooters are for solo riders. Tandem riding is not allowed. (CVC 21235)
Other E-Scooter safety tips (City of Long Beach)

E-Bike Safety Tips

Always wear a properly fitted helmet, regardless of your age or the type of bike you are riding.
Helmets are required for anyone under 18.
Follow the rules of the road, including stopping at stop signs. E-bikes are subject to the same laws as traditional bicycles.
Ride in the same direction as traffic, staying in the right lane unless turning left.
Share the road: Be aware of other bikes, drivers and people walking. Use hand signals to let drivers know of your actions and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.

E-motorcycles (as of January 1, 2026)

Defined as an “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” vehicle that:
- Is designed primarily for off-highway use.
- Is powered by an electric motor that does not require a motor number.
- Has handlebars for steering, a manufacturer-provided straddle seat, and two wheels.
- Is not equipped with manufacturer-provided pedals.
Is a self-propelled device, that is gas or electric and goes faster than 30 miles per hour.
Subject to the same rules and regulations as an off-highway motor vehicle (OHV) that require:
- DOT-approved helmets for riders and passengers, regardless of age.
- An identification plate and be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be ridden on roads or at off-highway vehicle (OHV) parks.
E-motorcycles are prohibited from trails, bike lanes and sidewalks (CVC 400(a)(b), CVC 405, CVC 473(a).
Riders must have a valid driver’s license with an M1 or M2 endorsement.