Pedal-Assist Only
Motor helps ONLY while you pedal. Cuts off at 20 MPH. No throttle.
Rules: Allowed on most bike paths and lanes. No minimum age in California.
Throttle-Assist
Has a throttle — you don't have to pedal. Motor cuts off at 20 MPH.
Rules: Allowed on most bike lanes. No minimum age in California.
High-Speed Pedal-Assist
Pedal-assist only, up to 28 MPH. Must have a speedometer.
Rules: Rider must be 16+. Helmet REQUIRED for all riders. Not allowed on multi-use paths.
"Class 2" bikes that are actually illegal e-motorcycles
Many bikes sold online, at big-box stores, or through TikTok ads are marketed as "Class 2 e-bikes" — but they are not.
- They exceed 20 MPH on throttle alone (some hit 35–40+ MPH).
- They have motors above 750 W, the federal e-bike limit.
- They have no working pedals, or pedals that are cosmetic only.
Under California law these are motor vehicles / motorcycles — they require registration, a license plate, insurance, and a motorcycle license (M1). Riding one on a bike path or without a license is illegal, and insurance will not cover a crash.
- Does the throttle cut off at 20 MPH? (Not just "throttle assist" — a hard cutoff.)
- Is the motor 750 W or less?
- Are there real, working pedals used to move the bike?
- Does it have the required class label on the frame?
If the answer to any of these is no — it is not an e-bike in California.