What Qualifies as an E-Bike?

An e-bike is an electric bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

• E-bikes are regulated like bicycles. The same rules of the road apply to e-bikes and human-powered bicycles.

• Electric bicycles are not subject to the registration, licensing or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.

Classifications

Of the many styles of e-bikes out there, most fall within three (3) legal classifications (types), which are described below.  

Type 1:

• Pedal-assisted. 
• Power maxes out at 20mph. 
• Allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed.

Type 2:

• Pedal or throttle-assisted. 
• Power maxes out at 20mph.  
• Allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed.

Type 3:

• Pedal or throttle-assisted. 
• Maxes out at 28mph. 
• Some restrictions on where they can be ridden, see below.

Any e-bike that assists the rider over 28mph is not street legal and must stay off of roads, sidewalks and multi-use trails and paths.

It is against the law in California to modify or otherwise tamper with electric bicycles in a way that changes the speed capability, unless the rider also changes the bicycle’s classification. Electric bicycles with motors of more than 750 watts, and bicycles with gas motors are technically motorcycles according to the law and require Class M licenses, registration and insurance.

E-bike Rider Requirements

Type 1:

• No minimum age
• No driver's license required
• Helmet required for 17 and under

Type 2 

• No minimum age
• No driver's license required
• Helmet required for 17 and under 

Type 3:

• Minimum age 16
• No driver's license required
• Helmet required for all ages

What to Know About Passengers on E-Bikes

• Most e-bikes are not equipped to carry passengers. Per CVC, e-bikes can only transport passengers if there is a permanent seat or when using a child safety seat.
• Passengers are required to wear a helmet if they are under 18.
• Type 3 e-bike riders must not transport passengers.

Where You Can Ride

In El Segundo there are a few key differences where an e-bike can and cannot ride. 

Public right of way determined by the California Vehicle Code (CVC)

• Bike paths: Type 1 and Type 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths. Type 3 are not allowed.
• Bike lanes: All types are allowed in bike lanes. 
• Sharrows (shared roadways): All classifications are allowed in sharrows.  Arrow markings painted in roadway indicate a sharrow, where the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and motor vehicle to share the lane safely side-by-side. Bicyclists should discourage unsafe passing by riding toward the middle of the sharrow.
• Roadways: Bicyclists/e-bikes have a right to the road even if no sharrow is present.

Trail access determined by various agencies - always be sure to obey posted signage.

Rules of the Road

All cyclists (e-bike riders included) are subject to all the same rules of the road as motorists. Cyclists who don’t follow the rules are subject to ticketing and fines as defined by the California Vehicle Code or local Municipal Code. 

Make sure to follow these guidelines:

• Cyclists 17 years and under must wear a helmet.
• Traffic lights, signs, and signals apply to all road users, including e-bike riders.
• If you're riding slower than traffic, ride in the bike lane. You can leave the bike lane to turn left, pass someone, avoid a road hazard or avoid cars turning right.
• Sidewalks and cross walks are meant for pedestrians. Dismount and walk your e-bike in these areas. You must stop at crosswalks for pedestrians.
• Be aware of other road users and try to match the average speed. This means riding slowly in areas with pedestrians.
• Must stop at red lights.
• Must stop before right turn at red lights.
• Must stop at stop signs. 
• Weaving in and out of traffic is prohibited. 
• Riding against the flow of traffic is prohibited.
• Cyclists must ride to the right edge of road as practical. 
• Proper reflective equipment must be used during night operation. 
• When a bicycle lane is available, bicyclists are required to use the bike lane unless they are traveling as fast as traffic. 
• It is illegal to carry passengers on your e-bike unless your bike has an extra permanent seat or when using a child safety seat.

For complete California Vehicle Code (CVC) descriptions, click here.

Traffic tickets (non-misdemeanors) such as e-bike citations are handled by Inglewood Court. For more information on Inglewood Court, click here.

Inglewood Court House
One Regent Street
Inglewood, CA
(310) 419-1399