E-Bike Laws & Safety Tips
Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Ride Legal.
What is an E-Bike?
An electric bicycle (e-bike) is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists with pedaling or provides throttle power. California law classifies e-bikes into three categories based on speed and assist type.
Type | Description | Max Speed | Minimum Age | Helmet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pedal Bike | Pedal only | Speed Limit | No minimum | Required under 18 |
Class 1 | Pedal assist only | 20 mph | 12+ (New Limit) | Required under 18 |
Class 2 | Pedal & Throttle assist | 20 mph | 12+ (New Limit) | Required under 18 |
Class 3 | Pedal assist only | 28 mph | 16+ | Required for all ages |
Driver’s license, registration, or insurance NOT required for e-bikes.
It is illegal to modify an e-bike to increase speed without updating its class label.
E-Motorcycles: Know the Difference
E-Motorcycles are fully electric motor-powered vehicles designed for higher speeds without the need for pedaling.
E-Motorcycles are not authorized to be ridden anywhere within the City of San Diego.
License Required: E-motorcycles are not generally street legal. Operation on a roadway requires a valid motorcycle license, registration from the California DMV, and insurance.
Where can you ride?
- E-Bikes are allowed on bike lanes, roads, and most bike paths. Class 3 may have extra restrictions on bike paths.
- Not on sidewalks, near businesses, or crosswalks (for pedestrians only).
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes when available.
Safety & Traffic Laws
San Diego City Ordinance Rules (O-2026-142):
Effective August 13, 2026, children under 12 years of age are only authorized to ride traditional pedal bikes.
Children under 12 may not ride Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bikes within the City of San Diego bike paths, roadways, trails, parks or boardwalks.
There will be a 60-day grace period on citations until October 12, 2026. After October 12, violators of the City's e-bike laws may be cited and receive a fine.
E-Bike Citation Online Safety Course
If you receive an e-bike citation or want to refresh your knowledge on safe riding, you can take a free online course.
Under S.D.M.C. 84.20, individuals issued an e-bike safety citation can complete an approved online electric bicycle safety course within 120 days in lieu of paying the fine.
Take the Course: Access the free, state-approved Online Electric Bicycle Safety & Training Course.
How it Works: Complete all modules and submit your certificate of completion according to the instructions on your citation to satisfy the requirement and dismiss the fine.
Failure to complete the course will result in the citation being issued and the fine being due.
Other Traffic Safety Guidelines
- Obey all traffic signs and signals. Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws like a motor vehicle.
- Stop at stop signs and lights.
- Passengers are only allowed if the bike is designed for them.
- A helmet is required for riders under 18 (all ages for Class 3).
- Do not ride against traffic.
Resources
- Consider registering your bicycle. This may help you if your bike is stolen.