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Electric bikes are more popular than ever and allow people of many ages and abilities to get out and enjoy the fun and enjoyment of cycling with assistance from an electric motor. There are many different styles of e-bikes, from cargo e-bikes to beach cruisers to mountain bikes, making them useful and fun in many ways. E-bikes also provide a great alternative to getting in a car to travel around town. If you ride or are considering riding an e-bike in and around Coronado, learn what's allowed what the applicable laws are, and please follow guidelines and recommendations for riding safely.
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.
E-Bike Classifications
Of the many styles of e-bikes out there, most fall within three (3) legal classifications or types:
CLASS 1
Low speed pedal-assisted
Power maxes out at 20mph
Allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed
CLASS 2
Pedal or throttle assisted
Power maxes out at 20mph
Allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed
CLASS 3
Pedal or throttle assisted
Maxes out at 28mph
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.
State of California Law 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.
Ride Safe – Drive Safe Video
As a cyclist, all around the city, you’ll find different types of roadways to travel. You’re encouraged to use the type of route that is most comfortable for your experience, your speed, and your abilities. As a driver, you may be concerned about how to interact with bicycles on the roadway. This video will provide cyclists and drivers tips to ride and drive in the right places, and ways you can communicate to comfortably share the road and be safe in Coronado.
Electric bikes are more popular than ever and allow people of many ages and abilities to get out and enjoy the fun and enjoyment of cycling with assistance from an electric motor. There are many different styles of e-bikes, from cargo e-bikes to beach cruisers to mountain bikes, making them useful and fun in many ways. E-bikes also provide a great alternative to getting in a car to travel around town. If you ride or are considering riding an e-bike in and around Coronado, learn what's allowed what the applicable laws are, and please follow guidelines and recommendations for riding safely.
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.
E-Bike Classifications
Of the many styles of e-bikes out there, most fall within three (3) legal classifications or types:
CLASS 1
Low speed pedal-assisted
Power maxes out at 20mph
Allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed
CLASS 2
Pedal or throttle assisted
Power maxes out at 20mph
Allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed
CLASS 3
Pedal or throttle assisted
Maxes out at 28mph
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.
State of California Law 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.
Ride Safe – Drive Safe Video
As a cyclist, all around the city, you’ll find different types of roadways to travel. You’re encouraged to use the type of route that is most comfortable for your experience, your speed, and your abilities. As a driver, you may be concerned about how to interact with bicycles on the roadway. This video will provide cyclists and drivers tips to ride and drive in the right places, and ways you can communicate to comfortably share the road and be safe in Coronado.
motor. There are many different styles of e-bikes, from cargo e-bikes to beach cruisers to mountain bikes, making them useful and fun in many ways. E-bikes also provide a great alternative to getting in a car to travel around town. If you ride or are considering riding an e-bike in and around Coronado, learn what's allowed what the applicable laws are, and please follow guidelines and recommendations for riding safely.
speed, and your abilities. As a driver, you may be concerned about how to interact with bicycles on the roadway. This video will provide cyclists and drivers tips to ride and drive in the right places, and ways you can communicate to comfortably share the road and be safe in Coronado. 