SideGuy · California

California e-bike law · 2027

New California e-bike laws 2027: what changes Jan. 1

Governor Newsom signed four e-bike bills in 2026, plus one related crash-report bill. Here is each one by bill and by date: what starts Jan. 1, 2027, what waits until 2028 and 2029, and which proposals did not pass. Every provision links to the bill text on leginfo.

Quick answer

On Jan. 1, 2027, three things change for most riders and buyers. First, e-motos and other devices that are not legal e-bikes can no longer be sold or labeled as e-bikes (SB 1167). Second, an electric device that tops 20 mph on motor power alone can't be ridden on public roads unless it is a vehicle the Vehicle Code allows there (SB 1167). Third, sidewalks get a 10 mph speed limit, cities can post 10, 15 or 20 mph limits on bike paths and trails, and sellers must hand buyers a written disclosure (AB 2346).

Starting Jan. 1, 2029, every new e-bike must come with front and rear lights, and new class 2 e-bikes with a speedometer. No license-plate or registration law passed.

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The timeline at a glance

  • Jan. 1, 2027SB 1167, AB 2346, AB 2595, AB 1569 and AB 2761 take effect. That is the default start date for non-urgency bills signed in 2026 (Cal. Const. art. IV, sec. 8(c)); none of these bills is an urgency measure.
  • Jan. 1, 2028Battery and charger safety standards for rentals begin: e-bikes (UL 2849 or EN 15194) and, added by SB 1167, mopeds and off-highway e-motorcycles (SAE J2929), per Health and Safety Code 26303.
  • Mar. 1, 2028Deadline for the state's standard e-bike safety program for grades 7-12 (AB 1569).
  • Jan. 1, 2029New e-bikes need front and rear lamps, and new class 2 e-bikes need a speedometer (AB 2346). The San Diego County under-12 pilot (Vehicle Code 21214.7) is also set to end on this date unless it is extended.
  • Jan. 1, 2030Deadline for CHP's electronic crash-report standards (AB 2761) and for San Mateo County's pilot report, if the county adopts a ban (AB 2595).
  • Jan. 1, 2031The San Mateo under-12 pilot ends (AB 2595).

Starts Jan. 1, 2027

What changes on Jan. 1, 2027

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice - the bill text is linked under each one. Each "effective" date below is the constitutional default for a non-urgency bill unless the text sets a different date. It is inferred from that rule, not printed in the bills.

SB 1167 (Blakespear): e-motos can't be sold as e-bikes

What it does
It keeps the existing e-bike definition: fully operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less, in three classes. It also states that these vehicles are not e-bikes and can't be advertised, sold, offered for sale or labeled as e-bikes: anything over 750 watts, anything that can go over 20 mph on motor power alone, anything whose motor assists above 28 mph, anything the maker intends to be modified past those limits, anything without working pedals, and any motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, moped, motorized scooter, off-highway electric motorcycle or pocket bike.
The riding rule
No one may ride a 2- or 3-wheeled electric device that can go over 20 mph on level ground on motor power alone on a highway or public right-of-way. The exception is a vehicle type the Vehicle Code defines and allows there, and only if it meets that vehicle's requirements. The ban expressly covers devices with several speed modes, even when one mode is capped at 20 mph, and devices sold "for off-road use" or private land. Police can remove a device ridden in violation (Vehicle Code 23135 and 22651.08, as amended).
Mopeds and motor-driven cycles
The bill rewrites both definitions. A moped is now an electric or gas device under 4 gross brake horsepower (3,000 watts) that can't go over 30 mph. A motor-driven cycle is an electric motorcycle of 3,750 watts or less, or a gas one under 150 cc. Both must be built for highway use, meet federal motor vehicle safety standards, and carry a 17-digit VIN and a federal certification label. The old term "motorized bicycle" is replaced with "moped".
Crash reports
A police report for an injury or crash involving an e-bike must record the brand, the maker, importer or distributor, the class, and the top assisted speed and wattage. If the bike has no label, the report must say so.
Effective
Jan. 1, 2027 (inferred: non-urgency default). The rental-battery rules in Health and Safety Code 26303 start Jan. 1, 2028, a date set in the text. Chapter 846, Statutes of 2026.

Approved by the Governor and chaptered Sept. 30, 2026, per SB 1167 status, leginfo. Provisions from the enrolled bill text, leginfo (Aug. 31, 2026).

AB 2346 (Wilson, Berman): sidewalk and trail speed limits, sales disclosures

Sidewalks
It sets a 10 mph prima facie speed limit on sidewalks (Vehicle Code 22352.1). A conviction carries no DMV point. The text sets the limit for sidewalks in general and is not worded as an e-bike-only rule. It does not legalize sidewalk riding where a local ordinance bans it.
Bike paths and multiuse trails
A city or county may set a 15 or 20 mph limit by ordinance, or 10 mph in limited areas with heavy foot traffic or poor sight lines. It must post signs showing the zone and the limit within 400 feet of each end. Limits set before Jan. 1, 2027 stay in effect (Vehicle Code 21214.8). These limits apply only where a local agency adopts and posts them.
Labels and disclosures
Makers and distributors must permanently attach a label showing the class, top assisted speed and motor wattage, in at least 9-point Arial. At or before the sale, sellers must give the buyer a written disclosure and a tampering warning (details in the sellers section below).
Effective
Jan. 1, 2027 (inferred: non-urgency default). Lights and class 2 speedometers on new e-bikes start Jan. 1, 2029, a date set in the text. Chapter 842, Statutes of 2026.

Approved by the Governor and chaptered Sept. 30, 2026, per AB 2346 status, leginfo. Provisions from the enrolled bill text, leginfo (Aug. 21, 2026).

AB 2595 (Papan): an under-12 pilot for San Mateo County only

What it does
It lets cities in San Mateo County, and the county in unincorporated areas, ban riders under 12 from class 1 and 2 e-bikes. A 30-day public information campaign is required first. Violations get a warning for the first 60 days, then a $25 fine. No fine or court record follows if a parent shows proof of a safety course within 120 days. Parents are jointly liable for the fine.
Who it affects
Only San Mateo County. It does not create a statewide age minimum. The only other under-12 authority is the San Diego County pilot in Vehicle Code 21214.7.
Effective
Jan. 1, 2027 (inferred: non-urgency default). The county reports to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2030 if a ban is adopted, and the pilot is repealed Jan. 1, 2031. Chapter 843, Statutes of 2026.

Approved by the Governor and chaptered Sept. 30, 2026, per AB 2595 status, leginfo. Provisions from the enrolled bill text, leginfo (Aug. 21, 2026).

AB 1569 (Davies, Chen): an e-bike safety program for grades 7-12

What it does
It requires the California Department of Education and CHP to build a standard e-bike safety and training program for students in grades 7 through 12 by March 1, 2028. The program includes instructional videos and a knowledge test on rules of the road, the differences between the e-bike classes, required safety gear, and the civil and criminal consequences of riding noncompliant e-bikes that exceed legal speed limits. Schools and parent groups are encouraged, not required, to offer hands-on demos with local police or city governments.
Effective
Jan. 1, 2027 (inferred: non-urgency default). The program is due March 1, 2028. Chapter 128, Statutes of 2026.

Approved by the Governor and chaptered Aug. 27, 2026, per AB 1569 status, leginfo and the chaptered bill text, leginfo.

AB 2761 (Petrie-Norris): electronic crash reports Related

What it does
This is not an e-bike bill, but it covers every crash report, including e-bike crashes. By Jan. 1, 2030, CHP must set minimum standards and a system for police, sheriffs and coroners to file crash reports electronically. An electronic copy of a crash investigation report must be given to the requester at no cost.
Effective
Jan. 1, 2027 (inferred: non-urgency default). The CHP system is due by Jan. 1, 2030. Chapter 964, Statutes of 2026.

Approved by the Governor and chaptered Sept. 30, 2026, per AB 2761 status, leginfo. Provisions from the enrolled bill text, leginfo (Aug. 24, 2026).

Later start dates

What changes in 2028-2029

Jan. 1, 2028: rental batteries

Anyone who rents out an e-bike, or its battery or charger, must use one tested by an accredited lab to UL 2849, EN 15194 or another standard the state fire marshal sets. Rental mopeds and off-highway e-motorcycles, and their chargers, must meet SAE J2929 or a similar standard.

Per SB 1167, Health and Safety Code 26303(j), leginfo.

Mar. 1, 2028: school safety program

The Department of Education and CHP must have the standard grades 7-12 e-bike safety program ready. Schools may use it; the bill does not require them to.

Per AB 1569, Education Code 49397, leginfo.

Jan. 1, 2029: lights and speedometers

Every e-bike manufactured, sold or offered for sale from this date must have a white front lamp visible from 300 feet and a red rear lamp visible from 500 feet. Both can be built in, and the front lamp may be detachable. New class 2 e-bikes must also have a speedometer.

Per AB 2346, Vehicle Code 28172, leginfo.

Did not pass

What did NOT pass in 2026

If you heard one of these was coming, it isn't, at least not from the 2026 session. None of these bills reached the Governor before the Sept. 30, 2026 signing deadline.

Golf carts and low-speed vehicles: no 2026 bill on them was signed or vetoed.

What parents need to know

  • The 20 mph test. If your teen's "e-bike" can go over 20 mph without pedaling, it is not an e-bike under state law. From Jan. 1, 2027, riding it on a public road is illegal unless it is a street-legal vehicle with whatever it needs, such as registration and a licensed rider. Police can remove it (SB 1167).
  • "Off-road mode" doesn't fix it. A device with a 20 mph setting that can be switched to a faster mode is still covered, and so is a device sold "for off-road use only" (SB 1167, Vehicle Code 23135).
  • Check the label before you buy. A legal e-bike carries a permanent label on the frame or fork showing class, top assisted speed, wattage, brand and maker. If there's no label, or the label doesn't match the bike, walk away (SB 1167, AB 2346).
  • Read the sheet the shop hands you. From 2027, sellers must give you the class, top speed, wattage, age and helmet rules, a link to CHP's e-bike safety course, and a recommendation that riders under 16 stay at or below 15 mph (AB 2346). The 15 mph line is a recommendation, not a speed limit.
  • Sidewalks: 10 mph. A new 10 mph sidewalk speed limit applies statewide, but many cities ban sidewalk riding outright, so check the local rules (AB 2346).
  • No new statewide age minimum. Existing state law still bars riders under 16 from class 3 e-bikes. Under-12 bans exist only where local pilots allow them: San Diego County cities under Vehicle Code 21214.7, and San Mateo County from 2027 (AB 2595).
  • Safety training is coming to schools. A standard grades 7-12 program is due by March 1, 2028, but schools are not required to offer it (AB 1569).

What sellers and shops must do

Labels (SB 1167 + AB 2346)

  • Makers and distributors permanently attach a label with the class, top assisted speed and motor wattage, printed in at least 9-point Arial (AB 2346).
  • The label also shows the brand name and the manufacturer, importer or distributor, on the frame or fork, and it must be readable without turning the bike over. "Permanently affixed" means it can't come off without being defaced (SB 1167).
  • Class labels may only be sold and installed at a physical retailer or bike repair shop, and the shop must check that the label matches the bike's actual class before installing it (SB 1167).
  • It is unlawful to sell an e-bike that breaks the labeling rules, or to advertise, sell or label a non-e-bike as an e-bike (SB 1167).

Point-of-sale disclosure (AB 2346)

  • At or before each sale, give the buyer a written disclosure covering the class, maximum speed, continuous and peak wattage, any age limits, helmet rules, a written description of California e-bike law, CHP's e-bike safety program web address, and a recommendation that riders under 16 not go over 15 mph.
  • Also give a 12-point all-caps warning that tampering to make the bike faster is illegal and can mean an M1 or M2 license, DMV registration and insurance.
  • Fines: up to $500 for a first conviction (several sales count as one violation), up to $750 for a repeat within three years, and up to $1,000 within five years of two priors.
  • From Jan. 1, 2029, don't sell e-bikes without front and rear lamps, or class 2 e-bikes without a speedometer.

Mopeds and e-motos (SB 1167)

  • Any maker, importer or seller of an electric motor-driven cycle, moped or off-highway electric motorcycle must put a disclosure in all advertising, including websites and social media. It must say the vehicle is a motor vehicle subject to registration, helmet, license and insurance rules.
  • Online, that disclosure must be at least as large as the biggest font in the ad, and the buyer must actively acknowledge it before checkout. In print, it goes on its own sheet in 14-point bold.
  • Mopeds and motor-driven cycles need a federal certification label near the steering head.

Batteries and records (SB 1167)

  • Batteries and chargers for mopeds and off-highway e-motorcycles that are sold or leased must meet SAE J2929 or a similar standard, and the vehicle must carry a label saying so. E-bike batteries keep the UL 2849 / EN 15194 rule already in place since Jan. 1, 2026.
  • Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers must keep documentation supporting compliance.
  • Rental fleets: the rental battery and charger rules start Jan. 1, 2028.

Per the enrolled texts of SB 1167 (Ch. 846, Stats. 2026) and AB 2346 (Ch. 842, Stats. 2026), leginfo, both signed Sept. 30, 2026.

Local rules

If you ride in North County San Diego

State law is only the base layer. Carlsbad's under-12 ban and impound rules, Oceanside's seizure rules, and the sidewalk bans in Solana Beach and Del Mar all still apply. Start with the North County e-bike rules, city by city. If a bike was taken, see Carlsbad e-bike impound: how to get it back. For Cardiff, Leucadia and Olivenhain, see Encinitas e-bike rules 2026.

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Questions

When do California's new e-bike laws take effect?

Most take effect Jan. 1, 2027, the default start date for non-urgency bills signed in 2026. That covers SB 1167 (e-motos can't be sold as e-bikes), AB 2346 (10 mph sidewalk limit, trail speed limits, seller disclosures) and AB 2595 (a San Mateo County under-12 pilot). AB 2346's lights and class 2 speedometer rules for new e-bikes start Jan. 1, 2029.

What is the e-bike sidewalk speed limit in California?

Starting Jan. 1, 2027, AB 2346 sets a 10 mph prima facie speed limit on sidewalks, and a ticket for it carries no DMV point. It does not make sidewalk riding legal where a city bans it, so local sidewalk bans still apply.

Is an e-moto an e-bike under SB 1167?

No. A device that can go faster than 20 mph on motor power alone, has a motor over 750 watts, has no working pedals, or is built to be modified past those limits is not an e-bike and cannot be sold or labeled as one. From Jan. 1, 2027, riding a 2- or 3-wheeled electric device that tops 20 mph on motor power alone on a public road is illegal unless it is a vehicle type the Vehicle Code allows there and it meets that vehicle's requirements, such as registration and a licensed rider.

Do e-bikes need license plates in California in 2027?

No. AB 1942, which would have required registration and a special license plate for class 2 and class 3 e-bikes, was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 14, 2026 and did not pass. SB 956, an Orange County plate pilot, also stalled. No statewide e-bike plate law takes effect in 2027.

Will new e-bikes need lights in California?

Yes, starting Jan. 1, 2029. Under AB 2346, every e-bike manufactured, sold or offered for sale from that date needs a white front lamp visible from 300 feet and a red rear lamp visible from 500 feet, and new class 2 e-bikes need a speedometer. Separately, AB 544 already requires a rear red reflector or red light on e-bikes at all hours.

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