A law that took effect in 2023 will expand the places California e-bike riders can enjoy their electric bicycles.
E-bikes are bicycles with an electric motor to assist you when you’re pedaling. To classify as an e-bike, the motor has to help you pedal rather than propel you on its own. There are different classes of these motorized bikes depending on how much of a boost the motor gives a rider.
Until now some classes of these e-bikes weren’t allowed on all bike paths and bike trails. But a new law changes that.
2023 E-Bike Laws that Change Where You Can Ride in California
The new e-bike law allows electric bicycles in places they weren’t usually permitted before. The law now prevents cities from restricting access to e-bike riders in places like bicycle paths or trails, bikeways, and bicycle lanes. This law greatly expands the places Class 3 e-bikes can travel. Class 3 is the fastest version of e-bikes allowed in California.
Local authorities could still block access to e-bikes on certain equestrian trails or hiking and recreation trails.
The amendment to CA Veh Code § 21207.5 reads like this:
“…this bill would remove the prohibition of class 3 electric bicycles on these facilities and would instead authorize a local authority to prohibit the operation of any electric bicycle or any class of electric bicycle on an equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail.”
Local parks and rec departments will still have some say over who can ride on what bike paths, so check with your local city or county to make sure you are riding your e-bike in the proper places.
The Classes of E-Bikes in California and E-Bike Laws
California’s DMV Motorcycle handbook details the three classes of electrical bikes and some of the rules for each kind. The different classes are determined by how fast an e-bike travels and how much additional force the motor provides.
These are the three classes of electric bicycles allowed in California:
- Class 1: A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
- Class 2: A low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
- Class 3: A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached.
California’s Requirements for Riding E-Bikes
The 2023 amendment doesn’t change the rules for who can ride an e-bike in California. These are a few of the important guidelines for riders:
- Riders must be 16 years old or older.
- E-bicyclists must also wear a safety helmet.
- Riders cannot travel with a passenger.
- E-bicyclists don’t need a driver’s license or a license plate.
You can find more about the vehicle codes that govern e-bike usage in California in CVC 24016.
Consult a Skilled California E-Bike Accident Lawyer
Being injured in an e-bike accident can be a very scary experience. Thankfully, if you decide to work with Maison Law’s California e-bike accident lawyers, you don’t have to go through recovery feeling alone and powerless.
We know how to present your case to get you the much-needed support you need to restore your health and get back on a bike again. If you have been injured in an accident involving an e-bike, contact us today for a free consultation.
If you decide we can help you get the most for your e-bike injury claim, you won’t need any money now. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you.
