E-bikes
The California e-bike law defines an e-bike as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, specifies three types of e-bikes (see below), and establishes how and where to legally ride them in California.
Class 1
Bikes with a top assisted speed of 20 mph that must be pedaled to operate.
Examples – Tenways CGO600 Pro, Velotric Summit 1, Ultimate C380 HMB, REI Co-op CTY e1.1
Class 2
Bikes with a top-assisted speed of 20 mph that can be operated without pedaling by using a handlebar-mounted throttle.
Examples – Rad Runner, Super 73, Rad Power Bikes RadRover and Aventon Sinch
Class 3
Bikes with a top assisted speed of 28 mph that must be pedaled to operate. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on Class I and IV bikeways, unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway, or unless the local authority or the governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over such path or trail permits such operation.
Examples – Super 73, Tern HSD S11, Lectric XP 3.0 and Heybike Ranger S
Anyone operating, riding as a passenger on, in a restraining seat attached to, or in a trailer towed by a Class 3 electric bicycle must be at least 16 years of age and must wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.