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)
Yorba LindaE-bike speed, access, yielding, and restricted-area rules
E-bikes may travel up to 25 mph on streets and bikeways and 10 mph on multipurpose paths, parks, sidewalks, and public areas. Riding is barred in the Veterans Memorial and Town Center garage. Riders must obey yielding and conduct rules; violations may draw $250 or $500 penalties or misdemeanor enforcement and impoundment up to 30 days.
- Code
- Yorba Linda Municipal Code ch. 10.80; Ord. 2025-1114 Yorba Linda electric-bicycle ordinance
- Applies to
- city
- Effective
- Thu Nov 06 2025 00:00:00 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
