E-bike laws to know

County and state laws are important to know. You can read more about those below. But first, let’s review the State of California e-bike classifications:

• A Class 1 e-bike has a pedal-assisted motor. It provides power only when pedaling. The motor turns off when the bike hits 20 mph.
• A Class 2 e-bike is a throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor to propel the bicycle up to 20 mph even when the rider is not pedaling. Assembly Bill 1778 enabled a Marin County pilot limiting Class 2 e-bikes to age 16+ and requiring helmets for all ages as of July 1, 2025.
• A Class 3 e-bike provides pedal-assisted power up to 28 mph. All riders must wear a helmet while riding a Class 3 e-bike, regardless of age. Operators of Class 3 e-bikes must be 16 or older.
• Electric motorcycles are not e-bikes. If the bike does not have pedals, it is not an e-bike. Please see the Central Marin Police Authority's warning about electric motorcycles.

Always check and obey local regulations when using electric micromobility devices. Here are a few Marin County rules to be aware of:

• The Marin County E-bike Safety Pilot will begin on July 1: Must be age 16+ to ride a Class 2 e-bike and helmets are required for all ages.
• You may ride a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike on multi-use paved pathways maintained by the County of Marin.
• The speed limit for all bicycles is 15 mph on County-maintained pathways. Some pathways may have a speed limit of 10 mph. Always check the speed limit. Follow the Share the Path rules: be courteous, know the rules, and be responsible.
• You CANNOT ride a Class 3 e-bike on a bike path. Class 3 e-bikes MUST be ridden in a bike lane or bike route. Class 3 e-bikes MUST stay on public roadways and in parking lots within Parks facilities.

• Under California law rules of the road, an e-bike is the same as a standard bicycle—with few exceptions. Currently you do not need an operator's license to ride an e-bike. Currently, you must be age 16 or older to operate a Class 3 e-bike and wear a helmet regardless of age.
• You may ride e-bikes on roadways, but are subject to the California Vehicle Code (CVC). The CVC covers basic rules of the road, like going with the flow of traffic and obeying lights and signs. For current information read the California Vehicle Code (CVC) sections governing e-bikes.
• Visit the California DMV Two-Wheeled Vehicle Operations page to learn more.