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E-bikes & the law

E-bike or electric motorcycle? Where the line is in California

In California an e-bike has working pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, and help that stops at 20 mph (Class 1 and 2) or 28 mph (Class 3). Anything stronger or faster is not an e-bike: it may count as a moped or a motorcycle, and electric dirt bikes are off-highway vehicles.

Reviewed · By the Cyber City service team · 3 min read · 2 tools to try

Quick facts

  • Motor750 watts or less
  • Help stops20 or 28 mph
  • Over the lineMoped or motorcycle rules
  • Electric dirt bikesOff-highway only

Where is the line?

Two numbers decide it: the motor’s watts and the speed where the help stops.1 Pick a bike we carry and see where it falls.

Try it · Where does it sit?

Where does this ride fall?

00

Pick an answer above.

Source 1 · each ride’s numbers are the maker’s

What if it is over the line?

It is not an e-bike in California, whatever the box calls it.12 It may need a license, registration and insurance, like a moped or a motorcycle. Ask us before you buy, and check with the DMV.

What about electric dirt bikes?

Electric dirt bikes (eMotos) are off-highway vehicles in California. They are not street legal and can’t be ridden on streets, sidewalks or bike paths. Ride them on private land with permission, or at OHV areas with a DMV green sticker.23

Try it · Where will you ride?

Which kind of ride fits?

Where will you ride most?
The rider is
Pedaling?

00

Pick an answer above.

Sources 1 and 2

Sources

  1. California Vehicle Code §312.5 (what an e-bike is, the three classes, the label) (opens in a new tab)
  2. California State Parks OHMVR, Information Bulletin 25-1 (classification chart) (opens in a new tab)
  3. California State Parks OHMVR, where to ride (OHV areas, the green sticker) (opens in a new tab)

This article explains California’s rules in plain words. It is not legal advice. Laws change: check the sources before you ride.

Not sure which side a ride is on?

Ask a person. We answer every day, 10 AM to 8 PM.

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