More and more California bicycle riders have been selecting bikes with a plug-in assist to help them get around. E-bikes or Electric Bikes are for rent or purchase across the state and riders may wonder if these machines are classified as bikes or as something closer to a moped or motorcycle.
California lawmakers have worked to define e-bikes and to help give riders a clear idea of the traffic laws they should be following.
Three Classes of E-Bikes in California
California defines electric bikes in Bill No. 1096 (AB 1096) —
- 5. (a) An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor with less than 750 watts of power.
E-bikes considered legal on California streets come in three varieties:
Class 1 or a “low-speed pedal-assisted bicycle” is equipped with a motor and only provides assistance while pedaling. The assistance cuts out when the rider reaches a speed of 20mph.
Class 2 or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle” has a motor that can provide enough energy to fully propel the rider but does not provide assistance beyond 20 mph.
Class 3 or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle” has a motor providing power only when the rider is pedaling. The engine cuts out when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.
E-Bike California Traffic laws
AB 1096 grants e-cyclists with the same rights as bicyclists on California roads. Bicyclists have the same rights to the lanes as motorists. Like bicyclists, e-bike riders don’t need a driver’s license or need to obtain a license plate.
E-bike riders must follow the same right-of-ways that bicyclists must observe. They are subject to speed limits and must yield to pedestrians. All cyclists must still stop for stop signs and red lights as of 2021.
California Age Restrictions for E-Bike Riders
Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes don’t have any age restrictions. Minors, under the age of 18, must wear a helmet when riding these two classes of bikes.
Class 3 bike riders must be at least 16-years-old. All Class 3 riders must wear a helmet.
Where Can I Ride my E-Bike in California?
Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes are allowed on Class 1 bike paths. These paths are removed from main roads, often running through parks and nature areas.
All three classes of e-bikes are allowed to use bike paths that are marked off by lines along many California streets. These are Class 2 bike lanes.
There are also Class 3 bikeways in California. These lanes are also along roadways. They aren’t marked off with lines but are often indicated by road signs. All three classes of e-bikes are allowed on these lanes. Class 3 lanes fall into two categories. 3A lanes are shared lanes on arterial or parallel streets and 3B lanes are bikeways in residential areas.
There are also Class 4 bikeways. They resemble Class 2 lanes but are also set apart by a space or barrier. These lanes may be protected by a curb, a parking lane, or a sidewalk. Only Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can use these lanes.
California E-Bikes Are Not Mopeds
It’s important to note that E-Bikes and Mopeds are not the same types of vehicles. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles mopeds land in the same category as motorcycles.
Moped riders are required to have an M1 or M2 motorcycle license and mopeds must also have a license plate.
To ride a moped you must be at least 16-years-old. Riders must always wear a helmet. Mopeds are not allowed on Class 1 and Class 4 bike lanes.
