Electric Bikes

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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. If you ride or are considering riding an e-bike in and around Coronado, learn what's allowed and what the applicable laws are. Please follow guidelines and recommendations for riding safely. Please note children under 12 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes within Coronado city limits.


At a Glance


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.
  • E-bikes 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.


City of Coronado E-Bike Rider Requirements

TYPE 1

  • Children under 12 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes in Coronado.
  • No driver's license required
  • Helmet required for 17 and under

TYPE 2

  • Children under 12 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes in Coronado.
  • 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. 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.


Resources


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. If you ride or are considering riding an e-bike in and around Coronado, learn what's allowed and what the applicable laws are. Please follow guidelines and recommendations for riding safely. Please note children under 12 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes within Coronado city limits.


At a Glance


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.
  • E-bikes 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.


City of Coronado E-Bike Rider Requirements

TYPE 1

  • Children under 12 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes in Coronado.
  • No driver's license required
  • Helmet required for 17 and under

TYPE 2

  • Children under 12 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes in Coronado.
  • 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. 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.


Resources

Page last updated: 08 Jan 2025, 09:33 AM