What is an Electric Bicycle (E-Bike)?
An e-bike is an electric bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less. In California, the same rules of the road that apply to traditional bicycles also apply to e-bikes. Unlike cars or motorcycles, e-bikes do not require registration, licensing, or insurance.
Types of E-Bikes
Class 1 E-Bikes
Class 1 e-bikes use pedal-assist only (no throttle) and can reach speeds up to 20 mph. They’re allowed on any paved surface where a regular bike can ride. There is no age requirement to ride Class 1 E-Bikes.
Class 2 E-Bikes
Similar to Class I, but with an added throttle feature that helps riders get moving without pedaling. These also max out at 20 mph and are legal on all the same paved surfaces. There is no age requirement to ride Class 2 E-Bikes.
Class 3 E-Bikes
This model goes up to 28 mph and is pedal-assist only (no throttle). It’s more powerful— and closer in speed to a moped— so riders must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet at all times, no matter their age.
Choosing a Safe & Legal E-Bike
Some products on the market look like e-bikes but are actually electric motorcycles or electric dirt bikes — often labeled incorrectly as “Class 2.”
Here’s how to make sure your purchase is safe and legal:
A Legal E-Bike Has:
1. A motor with 750 watts or less
2. Safety features that prevent speeds over 20 mph (even with throttle use)
3. Working pedals
If it’s missing any of these, it’s considered an e-motorcycle. E-motorcycles must be registered and equipped with the appropriate lighting and mirrors. Riders are also required to have a valid driver’s license.
E-Motorcycles or E-Dirt Bikes aren't legal to ride on roads, sidewalks, or bike paths - and parents can be held legally and financially responsible if a crash occurs.
Although e-bikes follow bicycle rules in California, other electric vehicles like e-scooters and mopeds are treated differently.
E-Scooters
E-scooters are growing in popularity and can be a fun way for
teens and adults to get around. Here’s what to know:
- Riders need a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license to operate one
- They’re allowed in bike lanes or roads where the speed limit is 25 mph or less
- They are not allowed on sidewalks
- The speed limit for e-scooters is 15 mph, though many can go much faster
- California law prohibits riding e-scooters on sidewalks and multi-use pathways unless marked otherwise
Mopeds
Mopeds are another popular way to get around, but they come with their own set of rules. Here’s what to know in California:
- Riders must have an appropriate, valid license to operate a moped
- Mopeds must be registered with the DMV and display a special license plate
- A DOT-approved helmet is required for all riders, regardless of age
- They can be operated on roads and in bicycle lanes if safe, but are not permitted on freeways
Rules of the Road
Bicyclists and e-bike riders are subject to all the same rules of the road as motorists. Riders who don’t follow the rules are subject to ticketing and fines as defined by the Vehicle or Municipal Code in which they are riding.
Make sure to follow these guidelines:
- Riders 17 and under must wear a helmet at all times.
- While not required, riders 18 and over are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet
- Obey all traffic lights, signs, and signals—the same rules apply to bicycles and e-bikes as to cars
- Ride as far to the right as is safe. If moving slower than traffic, use the bike lane. You may leave the bike lane to turn left, pass, avoid hazards, or steer clear of cars turning right
- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks
- Adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic. Slow down in areas with foot traffic
- Always stop at red lights, stop signs, and before turning right on red
- Never ride against traffic. Always travel in the same direction as cars
- Use lights and reflectors at night to make yourself visible
- Use the bike lane when one is available, unless you are riding at the same speed as surrounding traffic
- Do not carry passengers unless your e-bike has a permanent extra seat or a child safety seat. Class 3 e-bikes must not transport passengers
- Do not ride with earbuds or headphones covering both ears. You need to be able to hear traffic and stay alert
- Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Do not carry items that prevent safe control
Protecting Your E-Bike from Theft
E-bikes are valuable and attractive targets for theft. Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your bike safe. Here’s what to remember:
- Store your e-bike inside and out of sight whenever possible
- Always lock your bike securely when you’re out and about, and keep an eye on it when you can
- Use a high-quality lock with a strong security rating, and learn how to use it correctly
- Choose an immovable object that can’t be cut when deciding where to lock your bike
- Lock low and tight—secure the frame and at least one wheel to the object at the lowest point possible to reduce leverage for thieves
- Take removable parts with you, such as batteries, lights, or accessories, instead of leaving them behind
E-Bike Battery Safety
Most e-bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries. E-bike batteries are powerful but can also be hazardous if not cared for properly, especially in hot climates like Imperial Valley. High temperatures and improper care or storage increase the risk of overheating, fires, and shorter battery life.
Follow these guidelines:
Do:
- Charge indoors on a hard, non-flammable surface
- Use the charger provided by the manufacturer
- Unplug once the battery is fully charged
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Inspect your battery regularly for damage or swelling
- Keep batteries away from young children and liquids
- Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional
Don't:
- Leave your e-bike or battery in direct sunlight or a hot car
- Charge in extreme heat (above 105 degrees)
- Overcharge or leave plugged in overnight unattended
- Use a damaged, cracked, or leaking battery
- Puncture, crush, or throw batteries in the trash (recycle safely)
- Modify or tamper your battery
- Charge your battery around flammable material
Resources
312.5 (a) An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Electric bicycles are classified into three types, depending on how the motor is activated and the maximum assisted speed. Access Full Vehicle Code.
21207.5 (a) A motorized bicycle or class 3 electric bicycle shall not be operated on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane established pursuant to Section 21207, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway or unless the local authority or the governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by ordinance, that operation. Access Full Vehicle Code.
21213 (a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle.
(b) A person shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle. 21211 Bike path obstruction: No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path. Access Full Vehicle Code.
21212 (a) A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is at 21651. Access Full Vehicle Code.
21651 (b) It is unlawful to drive any vehicle upon a highway, except to the right of an intermittent barrier or a dividing section which separates two or more opposing lanes of traffic. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (c), a violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor. 10.56.010 (CMC) Riding on sidewalks and public facilities. No person shall ride a bicycle upon any sidewalk, in any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, or channel; or any other public athletic/sports courts, or gymnasiums in the city. Law enforcement personnel shall be exempt from the provision of this section when in the performance of their duties. Access Full Vehicle Code.
21453 (a) Red traffic light. Access Full Vehicle Code.
22450 (a) Stop sign. Access Full Vehicle Code.
21461 (a) Railroad crossing, must stop active signal device “R/R Crossing.” Access Full Vehicle Code.
22451 (a) Railroad crossing must stop for active signal device w/ train approaching and horn. Access Full Vehicle Code.
22100 (a) Right turn from improper position. Access Full Vehicle Code.
22107 Unsafe movement, to the left or right. Access Full Vehicle Code.
California Highway Patrol E-Bike Safety Training
The California Highway Patrol offers an online training course to help riders understand e-bike classifications, state laws, and safe riding practices. This interactive training, hosted on Articulate Rise, is designed to give both new and experienced riders clear guidance on how to ride legally and safely in California.
California E-Bike Incentive Project Safety Basics Training Video
The California E‑Bike Incentive Project offers a concise E‑Bike Safety Basics Training Video designed to guide riders through safe riding practices specific to e-bikes.
El Centro Police Department
We invite partner agencies to share their e-bike resources and media with ICOE.
Please contact Sabrina Hacegaba for more information at Sabrina.Hacegaba@icoe.org