New Ebike Laws in California – 2026 Update

New California Ebike Laws for 2026 [00:03]

• The 2026 California ebike laws are an expansion of the 2025 regulations, primarily focusing on battery safety, manufacturing standards, and enhanced visibility.
• These new requirements build upon the foundational classification systems (Class 1, 2, and 3) and safety rules established in 2025.

"These are the major updates to California's ebike laws taking effect in 2026. Primarily focus on the battery safety, manufacturing standards, and enhanced visibility."

Mandatory Battery Certification and Manufacturer Traceability [00:56]

• Starting January 1st, 2026, it will be illegal to sell, lease, or distribute any ebike, battery, or charging system in California that has not been certified by an accredited testing lab like UL2849 or EN15194 standards.
• From July 1st, 2026, all new ebikes must have a permanent label or etching on the frame, including brand, manufacturer, top assisted speed, and motor wattage in aerial font.

"It is illegal to sell, lease, or distribute any ebike, battery, or charging system in California that has not been certified by an accredited testing lab like UL2849 or EN15194 standards."

Customer Notifications and Battery Stewardship [01:35]

• Manufacturers must provide written notice to owners if a product sold as an ebike in the past five years no longer meets the legal definition as of January 2026, informing them of potential new requirements like registration or licensing.
• Commencing January 1st, 2026, manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries for ebikes must participate in a mandatory takeback and recycle program (AB 2440) to manage hazardous waste.

"If a product sold as an ebike in the previous 5 years no longer meets the legal definition as of January 2026, manufacturers must provide written notice to owners informing them of potential new requirements like registration or licensing."

Core Safety and Riding Laws: Power, Visibility, and Age [02:10]

• The 750-watt power cap remains a strict limit; any motor capable of exceeding this, even momentarily, reclassifies the vehicle as a moped or motorcycle requiring a license and registration.
• All ebikes operated in the dark must have a red rear reflector or flashing red light visible from at least 500 ft.
• Class 3 riders must be 16 years or older, and all riders under 18 must wear a helmet on any ebike class.

"The motor power limit is a strict 750 watts. Any motor capable of exceeding this at any time, even momentarily, reclassifies the vehicle as a moped or motorcycle requiring a license and registration."

Restrictions on Speed, Modifications, and Reclassifications [03:01]

• New laws strictly prohibit altering ebikes to exceed legal speed or power limits, making tampering with speed capabilities illegal.
• Ebikes modified to exceed 28 miles per hour or 750 watts are reclassified as motor vehicles, requiring DMV registration, insurance, and a driver's license.

"New laws strictly prohibit altering ebikes to exceed legal speed or power limits. Modification ban. It is illegal to tamper with or modify an ebike's speed capability such that it no longer fits the legal definition of an electric bicycle."

Refined Classification Limits and Throttle Rules [04:05]

• California has clarified ebike definitions to close loopholes, with the 750-watt limit now an absolute maximum at any time, eliminating the distinction between continuous and peak power.
• Throttles are only allowed on Class 2 ebikes capped at 20 mph. Class 1 and Class 3 ebikes may only have a walk assist throttle up to 3.7 mph.
• To be legally considered an ebike, the vehicle must have fully operable pedals; removing them reclassifies it as a motor vehicle.

"Strict power caps. The 750 watt limit is now an absolute maximum at any time, eliminating the distinction between continuous and peak power."

Local Pilot Programs in San Diego and Marin Counties [04:50]

• In early 2026, San Diego County authorities can prohibit children under 12 from operating any ebike.
• Marin County authorities may prohibit riders under 16 from using Class 2 ebikes and require helmets for all ages on Class 2 models.
• In these pilot areas, riders without a valid driver's license may be required to complete a state-approved safety course and carry a state ID.

"In early 2026, Pacific counties are authorized to implement stricter local ordinances. San Diego County, local authorities can prohibit children under 12 from operating any ebike."