California E-Bike Law Update 

A Must Read: How California New E-Bike Law AB 1271 Changes Everything

California recently passed Senate Bill 1271 (SB 1271), updating electric bicycle (e-bike) classifications to better define how different types of e-bikes operate. These changes help families make more informed choices about e-bikes for their children and will take effect January 1, 2026.

Updated Classifications:

Class 1 E-bikes (low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle

• Provide-assistance only when the rider pedals
• Motor stops assisting at 20mph
• Throttle-only use is NOT allowed, except for a low-speed “walk-assist” function

Class 2 E-Bikes (low-speed throttle-assisted bicycle)

• May use a throttle without pedaling up to 20mph

Class 3 E-Bikes (speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle)

• Provide assistance only when the rider pedals
• Motor stops assisting at 28 mph
• Must include a speedometer
• Throttle-only use is NOT allowed

Class 1 or 3 electric bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of 3.7mph. Under California law, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike and must wear a helmet.

The following Do Not qualify as E-bikes:

Bikes that can be easily modified by the manufacturer to go faster than 20mph using the motor alone or have more than 750 watts of motor power.

Bikes that have been modified after purchase to exceed 20mph on motor power or 750 watts.

Bikes that have been modified to remove the pedals (they must remain operable to be considered and e-bike).