E-Bikes: Buying Guide & Road Rules
Thinking of buying an e-bike?
Not all e-bikes are the same.
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If it doesn’t have pedals, it’s not an e-bike. It could be an e-motorcycle, and those devices are often not street legal, especially for kids.
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If the motor pushes faster than 28 mph, it is not a street legal e-bike in California. You can be pulled over and the bike can be impounded.
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Not all bike shops work on e-bikes. Buying the e-bike from a store you know and trust is a good idea.
Know your e-bike class
Check what you’re riding and see what matches.
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Pedals: Yes
Top speed: 20 mph
Motor wattage: Less than 750
Throttle: No
Age limit: Any (12 and over in some cities)
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Pedals: Yes
Top speed: 20 mph
Motor wattage: Less than 750
Throttle: Yes
Age limit: Any (12 and over in some cities)
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Pedals: Yes
Top speed: 28 mph
Motor wattage: Less than 750
Throttle: No
Age limit: 16 and over
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Pedals: No
Top speed: Over 28 mph
Motor wattage: More than 750
Throttle: Yes
Age limit: 18 and over
E-bike road rules
(courtesy SANDAG)
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Class 1: Pedal-assisted e-bike. Power maxes out at 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle-assisted e-bike. Power maxes out at 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assisted e-bike. Power maxes out at 28 mph. (Must be 16 years or older.)
Any e-bike that provides power over 28 mph is not street legal.
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Wearing a helmet while biking is smart, and it’s required if you’re under 18.
On a class 3 e-bike, all riders must wear a helmet, regardless of age.
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If you’re riding slower than traffic, ride in the bike lane. You can leave the bike lane to turn left, pass someone, avoid a road hazard or avoid cars turning right.
Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on trails or class 1 bike paths.
Sidewalks and crosswalks are meant for pedestrians. Dismount and walk your bike in these areas.
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Riding predictably is the best way to stay safe on the roads.
Signal your intentions, and ride in the appropriate lane for the direction that you want to go.
Traffic lights, signs and signals apply to all road users, and that includes people on bicycles!
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This “sharrow” means the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to share safely side by side. Bicyclists should discourage unsafe passing by riding toward the middle of this narrow lane.
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Most e-bikes are not equipped to take passengers. Passengers are required to wear a helmet if they are under 18.
Always ride lawfully and responsibly, especially when you’re riding with a passenger.
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Be aware of other road users, and try to match the average speed. This means riding slower in areas with pedestrians.
The throttle is designed to help you get started on hills or when carrying heavy cargo.
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Being seen is essential! Wear high-visibility clothing, use a white front light, red rear light and reflectors.

