California E-Bike & Scooter Laws
California uses the three-class system (Veh. Code 312.5): Class 1 pedal-assist to 20 mph, Class 2 throttle to 20 mph, Class 3 pedal-assist to 28 mph with a speedometer; no one under 16 may operate a Class 3, and every Class 3 operator and passenger must wear a helmet at any age (Veh. Code 21213), while riders under 18 must wear a helmet on any bicycle (21212); electric bicycles of any class may be ridden on bike paths, trails and bikeways unless the local authority, the agency with jurisdiction, or the Department of Parks and Recreation has prohibited that class (21207.5); motorized scooters are separate - 15 mph maximum (22411), a driver's license or instruction permit is required, no sidewalk riding, a helmet is required under 18, and roads posted over 25 mph are off limits unless in a Class II or IV bikeway (21235).
California created the three-class electric bicycle system in 2015 (AB 1096; Veh. Code 312.5). Class 1: pedal-assist up to 20 mph. Class 2: throttle-assist up to 20 mph. Class 3: pedal-assist up to 28 mph, and it must be equipped with a speedometer. No one under 16 may operate a Class 3 e-bike, and every Class 3 operator and passenger must wear a helmet at any age (Veh. Code 21213); riders under 18 must wear a helmet on any bicycle (21212). E-bikes are allowed on roads, bike lanes, bike paths, trails and bikeways by default: since AB 1909 (effective January 1, 2023) there is no statewide Class 3 trail ban. Instead, local authorities and public agencies may prohibit electric bicycles, or any class of them, on equestrian, hiking or recreational trails by ordinance, and the Department of Parks and Recreation may do so on bicycle paths and trails within its jurisdiction (21207.5) - so check local and park rules before riding a trail. Motorized scooters are regulated separately (21235): 15 mph maximum speed (22411), the operator must hold a valid driver's license or instruction permit, riding on sidewalks is prohibited, a helmet is required under 18, and highways with a speed limit over 25 mph are off limits unless riding within a Class II or Class IV bikeway (a local ordinance may allow operation outside a bikeway on roads posted up to 35 mph). Local governments may further restrict scooter use.