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)
OrangeE-bike speed, Class 3 trail, and safe-operation rules
E-bikes are limited to 20 mph on bike lanes, trails, and shared-use paths. Class 3 e-bikes are barred from bicycle paths, trails, bikeways, and equestrian, hiking, or recreational trails. Riders under 18 must wear helmets. The Code also addresses sidewalk caution, wrong-way riding, passengers, handheld phone use, wheelies, and use of bicycle paths in parks. Ordinance 05-25 was adopted March 25, 2025; exact effective date was not established.
- Code
- Orange Municipal Code ch. 10.10; Ord. 05-25 Orange e-bike ordinance
- Applies to
- city
