CaliforniaElectric bicycle classes, age, helmets, and path access
California defines three e-bike classes up to 750 watts. Class 3 operators must be at least 16 and operators and passengers must wear helmets; bicycle riders under 18 also have a helmet requirement. Class 3 path access is generally limited to paths adjacent to a roadway or locally permitted paths, and local authorities may restrict e-bike operation on paths. 2026 amendments also address Class 3 sales to minors and rear lighting/reflectors.
- Code
- Cal. Veh. Code §§ 312.5, 21200–21213, 21207.5, 24016 California Vehicle Code, Division 11, Article 4
- Applies to
- statewide
Orange CountyE-bike access and speed rules in County parks and bikeways
Within OC Parks and County regional paved bikeways, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes may use designated regional bikeways at no more than 10 mph and must yield to pedestrians; riders under 18 must wear helmets. All e-bike classes are prohibited on unpaved trails in County regional and wilderness parks. This rule covers County facilities, not incorporated city streets.
- Code
- Orange County Code § 2-5-29(n) Orange County Parks e-bike rule
- Applies to
- countywide
- Effective
- Tue Jul 17 2018 00:00:00 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)
Laguna NiguelE-bike safe-operation and sidewalk conduct rules
Applies on public property and private property open to the public. It prohibits unsafe riding, including sidewalk riding without pedestrian caution, wrong-way riding, wheelies, carrying a passenger without a designed seat, operating under 18 without a helmet, and handheld phone use. The Code identifies Ordinance 2012-170, adopted May 15, 2012; exact effective date was not established.
- Code
- Laguna Niguel Municipal Code § 7-4-500.1; Ord. 2012-170 Laguna Niguel e-bike ordinance
- Applies to
- city
