California electric scooter laws and e-bike rules, in plain words

Where these rules come from

Every rule in this guide comes from two California agencies, as of October 2026. The main source is the California Highway Patrol’s Highway Patrol Manual 100.68, chapter 4 (revised July 2026), which cites the California Vehicle Code (CVC). We also used the CHP page on motorcycles and similar vehicles and the DMV page on motorcycles, mopeds and scooters.

What counts as an e-bike in California

The CHP manual describes CVC section 312.5 this way: an electric bicycle is a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts. It must fall into one of three classes:

• Class 1: the motor helps only while you pedal, and stops helping at 20 mph.
• Class 2: the motor may move the bike on its own (a throttle), and stops helping at 20 mph.
• Class 3: the motor helps only while you pedal, and stops helping at 28 mph. The CHP says a class 3 e-bike is equipped with a speedometer.

Under section 312.5(b), an e-bike rider follows the same rules as a bicycle rider, and under section 24016(b) an e-bike is classed as a bicycle, not a motor vehicle.

Changing the speed is regulated too. The CHP notes that section 24016(d) bars anyone from tampering with or modifying an e-bike to change its speed capability unless they also replace the class label. Never modify a speed limiter yourself.

For how the classes work on the bike itself, read e-bike classes explained.

When a ride is not an e-bike

A ride with more than 750 watts, no working pedals or more assisted speed than its class falls outside the definition. The CHP manual points to section 312.5(d) for vehicles that do not meet it.

Since January 1, 2026, the CHP notes that section 22651.08(a)(1) lets a peace officer remove a vehicle with fewer than four wheels that does not meet the e-bike definition, when its electric motor can move it on its own above 20 mph and the rider is not licensed to operate it.

Electric dirt bikes have their own category. Since January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 586 added section 436.1, which defines an off-highway electric motorcycle (eMoto) as an electric off-highway motorcycle with handlebars, a straddle seat and no pedals from the maker. The CHP says eMotos fall under the same rules as other off-highway motor vehicles, including their registration rules. Every bike on our electric dirt bikes page is for off-road use only; see street legal electric dirt bikes for what a road bike needs.

E-bike ages, helmets and licenses

• Class 3 age: under section 21213, a person under 16 may not ride a class 3 e-bike. Since January 1, 2026, section 22651.08(a)(2) lets an officer remove a class 3 e-bike ridden by someone under 16, and the owner or parent may be asked for proof of a completed e-bike safety course.
• Class 3 helmet: every class 3 rider and passenger must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet, whatever their age.
• Class 1 and class 2 helmet: riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet, under the bicycle helmet rule in section 21212.
• License: the CHP manual’s classification table lists no driver’s license requirement for any of the three classes.
• Local rules: the CHP says e-bike use may be restricted or prohibited by local ordinance, so check your city or county for paths, parks and beaches.

Riding on the road, the bicycle rules apply. Under section 21202, a bicycle rider moving slower than traffic rides as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge, with exceptions such as passing or preparing for a left turn.

What counts as a motorized scooter

The CHP manual describes CVC section 407.5 this way: a motorized scooter has two wheels, handlebars, a floorboard designed to be stood on, and an electric motor. It may also have a driver seat and footrests in place of the floorboard, so many seated models count as motorized scooters too.

California electric scooter laws: the riding rules

The CHP lists these rules from sections 21235 and 22411, among others:

• 15 mph maximum on any highway or bikeway where scooters may ride.
• Roads posted above 25 mph: ride within a Class II bike lane or a Class IV separated bikeway. A city or county may allow riding outside the bikeway on roads posted up to 35 mph.
• Bike lanes: where a Class II bike lane exists, ride in it (section 21229).
• Slower than traffic: ride as near the right-hand curb or edge as practicable (section 21228).
• Sidewalks: no riding, except to enter or leave a property. Do not leave a scooter lying on a sidewalk or park it so people walking have no clear path.
• License: a valid driver’s license or instruction permit. The DMV says any class of driver’s license works.
• Helmet: a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet for riders under 18.
• No passengers, and no carrying anything that stops you keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
• Equipment: a brake that can skid a wheel on dry, level pavement, and lamps and reflectors for riding in the dark (section 21223).
• Registration: the DMV says you do not need to register a motorized scooter.

Choosing a ride that fits the rules

For an e-bike, check the motor rating and the class on the label and the listing. These e-bikes in our catalog list a 750 W motor and a class setting:

Maker figures, checked September 2026. Real range and speed depend on rider weight, terrain, temperature and riding mode.

Segway lists the Xafari as class 2 at 20 mph or class 3 at 28 mph where allowed, and Hiboy sets the EX9 to 20 mph by default, adjustable to 28 mph with pedal assist as a class 3. A class 3 setting brings the 16 and older rule and a helmet for everyone.

For a motorized scooter, the 15 mph limit is the one that matters. Most scooters can go faster, so use a lower riding mode. Two models in our catalog come limited by the maker:

Maker figures, checked September 2026. Real range and speed depend on rider weight, terrain, temperature and riding mode.

The YUME Raptor2 13 MPH and YUME X11+ 13 MPH are full-size YUME models with the speed limited to 13 mph.

A quick checklist for California riders

• E-bike: working pedals, a motor of no more than 750 watts and a class label that matches how it rides.
• Class 3: 16 or older, and a helmet for every rider and passenger.
• Class 1 or 2: a helmet for anyone under 18.
• Motorized scooter: 15 mph or less, no sidewalks, a license or permit, and a helmet under 18.
• Your city or county rules for paths, parks, beaches and campuses.

Riding in other states too? Read our sibling guide to New Jersey electric scooter laws, and the questions to ask anywhere in electric scooter laws: what to check. Then browse our electric scooters and electric bikes for sale. Orders ship free to the lower 48 states, and you can split the cost with Pay in 4 at 0% APR or monthly payments with Affirm.

Questions riders ask