In California, where electric bike use is growing fast, the government has made important changes to the rules around e-bikes. Starting in 2025, new laws will take effect that affect how electric bikes are used, sold, and rented. If you live in California or are planning to visit, it’s important to know these changes.
1. New Rules for E-Bike Classes
California has three main classes of electric bicycles, and these classifications will still apply after the new laws take effect. There will be some key changes in the rules for each class.
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Class 1 E-bikes: These are bikes that only provide power when you are pedaling. The motor can help you reach a top speed of 20 miles per hour. Under the new law, Class 1 electric bicycles must be exclusively pedal assist, meaning there cannot be a throttle (a handlebar grip that makes the bike go faster without pedaling).
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Class 2 E-bikes: These bikes have a throttle that can help you accelerate. The throttle will only work up to 20 miles per hour. If you want to go faster, you will need to pedal. Class 2 bikes can still have throttles under the new law, but only up to the 20 mph limit.
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Class 3 E-bikes: These are similar to Class 1 bikes but with a higher speed limit. The motor can help you reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour. Like Class 1 bikes, Class 3 e-bikes cannot have a throttle anymore. They must be pedal-assist only.
These rules aim to keep e-bikes safe and prevent them from becoming too fast or dangerous. While some people may miss the extra speed, these limits will help make the roads safer for everyone.
SEE ALSO Do You Need to Register an Electric Bike in the U.S.?
2. Power Limit for E-Bikes
One of the biggest changes in the 2025 law is the power limit for e-bikes. Previously, someelectric bikes were built with motors that had a peak output of more than 750 watts. This meant that the bike could go much faster than allowed, even without pedaling.
Under the new law, all e-bikes must have a motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power. This will help prevent people from turning their e-bikes into electric motorcycles. While 750 watts is still a lot of power (it’s three times the power of a typical electric bicycles in Europe), the law makes it clear that e-bikes should not be too powerful.
This change will make sure that electric bikes stay within a reasonable range of speed and power. It will also make sure that they are treated like bicycles, not motorcycles.
3. Battery Safety and Testing
Another important part of the 2025 law is the new battery safety rules. E-bike batteries are one of the most important parts of the bike. If the battery is not safe, it could catch fire or cause other accidents. To avoid these risks, all e-bike batteries sold in California will need to undergo safety testing.
By January 1, 2026, all electric bicycles batteries will have to be tested and certified by a lab that is accredited. This certification will show that the battery is safe to use. Manufacturers have until 2025 to make sure their batteries meet these new safety standards.
Additionally, rental companies will not be allowed to rent e-bikes unless their bikes and batteries are certified. This rule will go into effect by 2028. This will help protect people who rent electric bikes, making sure they are riding bikes that are safe and up to standard.
4. No Throttles on Some E-Bikes
As mentioned earlier, Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes can no longer have throttles. The throttle is a feature that allows the rider to control the speed of the bike without pedaling. Under the new law, only Class 2 e-bikes can have a throttle, and the throttle will only work until 20 mph.
This change is meant to make sure that electric bikes are more like regular bicycles and less like electric motorcycles. In the past, some e-bikes were sold with powerful throttles that made them much faster than normal bicycles. This created safety concerns, especially in busy areas or places with lots of pedestrians.
Why the New Laws Are Important
These new rules are not just about making e-bikes less fun to ride. The goal is to make e-bikes safer for everyone. As electric bicycless become more common, there have been more reports of accidents, injuries, and confusion about what is allowed.
- Ensure safety: By limiting the power and speed of ebikes, the law helps reduce the risk of accidents.
- Standardize rules: With clearer rules, it will be easier for people to understand what kind of electric bikes are legal to ride and where they can ride them.
- Promote fairness: The law applies to everyone, from casual riders to rental companies. It helps create a level playing field for all users.
What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
Starting in 2025, you can expect to see more ebikes on the roads in California. The new rules will make sure that these bikes are safe, not too fast, and good for the environment. If you are planning to buy or rent an ebike in California, here are a few things you should keep in mind:
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Check the class: Make sure the bike has the right class for your needs. If you want a bike with a throttle, you’ll need a Class 2 bike. The Qiolor Tiger electric adult bike is a 750W ebike with a throttle, featuring two models: the twist throttle on the Qiolor Tiger and the thumb throttle on the Tiger Plus.
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Look for certified batteries: Make sure the electric bike’s battery has been tested and certified for safety.
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Know the speed limits: Remember that electric bicycles can’t go faster than 20 mph or 28 mph, depending on the class.
Conclusion
The 2025 California electric bike law brings some important changes to the way e-bikes are regulated. By setting clear rules about speed, power, and safety, the law aims to make e-bikes safer and more accessible. Whether you are a rider, a manufacturer, or a rental company, it’s important to understand these new laws. If you follow the rules, you can enjoy riding e-bikes while keeping yourself and others safe on the road.
FAQs
What happens if I ride a Class 3 e-bike in a bike lane?
Class 3 e-bikes are allowed in bike lanes in California, but they must be equipped with pedal-assist systems only. If you are caught using a throttle on a Class 3 e-bike, you may face fines or penalties, as throttles are no longer allowed on Class 3 bikes.
Can I modify my e-bike to increase its speed or power?
Modifying your e-bike to increase its speed or motor power beyond the legal limits (750W for e-bikes) is illegal in California. If caught, you may face fines and could have your e-bike confiscated. It is important to follow all legal requirements to avoid potential legal issues.
Are e-bikes required to have insurance in California?
Currently, California does not require e-bikes to have insurance. However, it is recommended to have some form of insurance coverage, especially for expensive bikes or those used in shared mobility programs. Always check with your insurance provider to see if your policy covers e-bikes.
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