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Starting January 1, 2025, California’s e-bike laws will undergo major revisions that all riders and anyone injured in a crash need to understand. With Senate Bill 1271 now signed into law, the state is tightening definitions and safety rules in response to the sharp increase in electric bike usage and e-bike-related accidents.
For Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Adult riders of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are not legally required to wear a helmet, though it is strongly recommended. For Class 3 e-bikes, all riders must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet, regardless of age.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to wear a helmet when required can result in a citation and fine. More importantly, in the event of an accident, not wearing a helmet could impact your ability to recover compensation, especially if head injuries are involved.
At NordstrandBlack PC, our Santa Barbara e-bike accident lawyers have seen firsthand how murky regulations around e-bikes have affected injury claims. Whether you’re a rider, a parent, or someone harmed in a collision involving an electric bike, these electric bicycle law updates matter more than ever. Here’s what you need to know about the new California e-bike classification law and how it could affect your rights.
Why California Changed the E-Bike Laws
E-bikes are everywhere—from Santa Barbara boardwalks to steep highway shoulders. But rapid adoption created problems: outdated laws, inconsistent enforcement, and a growing number of injuries involving high-speed, modified, or misused bikes.
To address these gaps, California passed SB 1271, a new law aimed at clarifying e-bike categories, tightening throttle and power restrictions, and improving battery safety standards.
These legal changes in 2025 aim to balance innovation in electric-powered vehicles such as e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters in order to provide stronger safety protections for the public.
California’s Updated E-Bike Classes Explained
California’s basic three-class e-bike system isn’t new, but the new law provides stricter criteria and bans common modifications that previously blurred class lines.
Class 1 E-Bikes
Class 1 e-bikes have the following legal requirements:
- Pedal assist only.
- Motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
- Allowed on bike paths and trails unless otherwise posted.
Under the new law, these e-bikes are no longer permitted to have a throttle that allows the bike to move forward without being assisted.
Class 2 E-Bikes
Class 2 e-bikes have the following legal requirements:
- Pedal and throttle assist allowed.
- The motor cuts off at 20 mph.
- Typically allowed in the same areas as Class 1.
The new law places clearer limits on modifications to prevent Class 2 from mimicking faster models.
Class 3 E-Bikes
A Class 3 e-bikes have the following requirements:
- Pedal-assist only; no throttle allowed.
- Motor stops assisting at 28 mph.
- Helmets required for all riders
- Riders must be at least 16 years old.
Under the new law, using a throttle removes Class 3 status. Riders with throttles could face fines and e-bike confiscation. They could also be liable for injuries when an accident occurs and have greater difficult recovering damages from negligent parties.
Additional Legal Requirements for E-Bike
Motor Power Limits
All e-bikes must be equipped with electric motors rated no more than 750 watts. This was a loosely enforced standard before, but under SB 1271, the limit is now hard law. Bikes exceeding this may fall outside the e-bike category entirely, subjecting them to motorcycle or moped regulations.
Unlike e-bikes, motorcycles and mopeds are not permitted on bicycle paths or bike lanes. Motorcycle and moped riders must:
- Register their vehicles
- Obtain the appropriate license
- Be at least 16 years old (unlike Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike riders)
- Adhere to posted speed limits
Battery Certification Requirements
By January 1, 2026, e-bike batteries must be certified by an accredited lab to meet safety standards. This follows several reports of battery-related fires and aims to ensure safer designs going forward.
Walk Mode Standardization
Throttle use on Class 1 bikes is now limited to “walk mode” only. That means the bike can slowly propel itself at no more than 3.7 mph to assist when walking it uphill or through tight spaces.
How These Changes Affect Riders
The updated e-bike regulations mean that riders will need to pay closer attention to their bike’s configuration. Simply installing a throttle on a Class 1 or Class 3 e-bike can make it noncompliant with California law.
- Minors riding Class 3 bikes? Illegal.
- Throttle on a Class 3 e-bike? Illegal.
- Overpowered motor or speed modification may violate licensing laws.
Riders operating noncompliant or modified bikes risk citations and possible impoundment. In California, e-bike and moped riders are generally not required to carry insurance. E-bikes may be covered under renters’ or homeowners’ insurance policies, but it is recommended that riders obtain dedicated coverage for added protection. Liability insurance, in particular, is strongly advised for both e-bike and moped riders to ensure financial protection in the event of an accident.
Legal Consequences in Injury Claims
California’s new e-bike laws will likely impact personal injury claims. These changes provide new grounds for insurance companies to deny coverage and for injured parties to file a lawsuit.
Modified E-Bikes and Fault
Assume a rider modifies their Class 1 e-bike to include a throttle, speeds past 28 mph, and collides with a pedestrian. Under the electric bicycle law updates, the rider may have been operating an unclassified motor vehicle, shifting fault away from other drivers or road conditions when a collision occurs.
Helmet Non-Compliance
California now mandates helmet use for all Class 3 riders. Failure to wear a helmet, even if you’re legally permitted to ride, could be viewed as comparative negligence in an injury case. That means the insurance company representing a negligent driver who caused your injuries could argue for a reduction in the amount of compensation you receive.
E-Bike as Motor Vehicle
Some modified e-bikes may no longer legally qualify as e-bikes under the new California e-bike classification law. This distinction changes everything:
- The rider may be required to have a license and insurance.
- If uninsured and involved in an accident, they may not be protected.
- The injured party may be eligible to file a lawsuit under traditional motor vehicle liability law.
- Insurers representing a negligent party could argue that the rider’s failure to wear a helmet constitutes comparative liability.
What If You’re Injured by an E-Bike?
If you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver injured by an e-bike, the classification of the e-bike now matters more than ever. Was it operating within legal bounds? Did the rider modify the motor, exceed power limits, or break helmet laws?
At NordstrandBlack PC, we’ve handled serious claims involving bikes, scooters, and skateboards. Our Santa Barbara personal injury attorneys know how to investigate compliance issues, interpret California’s evolving laws, and build strong legal arguments based on real-world use and legal standards.
What Riders Can Do to Remain Compliant
Here’s how to stay compliant under the 2025 changes if you ride an e-bike in California:
- Know your bike’s class and never exceed its power or speed limits.
- Remove unauthorized throttle kits from Class 1 and Class 3 bikes.
- Always wear a helmet.
- If you’re under 16, avoid Class 3 e-bikes entirely.
- Keep your battery well-maintained, and watch for certification updates by 2026.
Speak With Our E-Bike Accident Lawyers in Santa Barbara Today
NordstrandBlack PC has a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating and an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. We provide strategic legal guidance to those impacted by motor vehicle and e-bike accidents.
Call (805) 962-2022 to schedule a free consultation with our Santa Barbara attorneys today. We have the experience and resources to fight for the full compensation you deserve, including medical costs and other losses like loss of income and long-term care expenses.