Worried you're missing important legal details when buying an electric bike in California? With the new SB 1271 law in effect, e-bike purchasing now requires more awareness—not just about specs, but also compliance. Here's what to watch out for:

1. Choosing a Non‑Compliant Class or Ignoring Throttle Rules

✅ Under SB 1271 (Jan 1, 2025), e-bikes are strictly categorized and regulated:

• Class 1 and Class 3 bikes must be pedal‑assist only. No throttle allowed except a “walk mode” up to 3.7 mph.

• Class 2 bikes may have a throttle—but it must cut out once reaching 20 mph.

Buying an e-bike with an illegal throttle (e.g. modified to exceed speed limits) invalidates its classification—and could subject you to fines or confiscation.

2. Missing Age & Helmet Requirements

• Riders must be at least 16 to operate a Class 3 e-bike.
• All riders under 18, regardless of class, must wear a helmet. Class 3 riders must wear one regardless of age .

3. Disregarding Where You Can Ride

All Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes are legal on California roadways and bike lanes .

Class 1 & 2 are generally allowed on shared paths and trails, though some local rules may restrict.

Class 3 e-bikes face more exclusion—often banned from multi-use trails or pedestrian-heavy areas.

4. Buying Over‑powered or Modified Bikes

Manufacturers or sellers may advertise bikes capable of >20 mph via throttle or unlocked modes—classifying them outside legal e-bike definition and requiring DMV registration or licensing.

Avoid DIY modifications or unverified “speed modes”—especially common in cheaper or online-import models.

5. Not Verifying Support, Parts & Compliance Labels

California law mandates that e-bikes must display a permanent label stating their class as manufactured. Many inexpensive or gray-market bikes lack this, making enforcement ambiguous.

Ensure warranty, local service availability, and parts access—especially for throttle-related parts or battery certification requirements coming in 2026.

6. Leaving Out Safety & Legal Education

Incidents in places like Marin County and Walnut Creek show how youth riding high-speed e-bikes creates public safety concerns. Marin has even banned throttle e-bikes for under‑16s.

Pro tip: Teach teen riders proper use, obey local signage, and choose appropriate classifications to avoid accidents or legal trouble.

7. Skipping the Incentive Programs

California’s E‑Bike Voucher Program reopened April 29, 2025—offering up to $2,000 off for eligible residents purchasing Class 1–3 e-bikes.

Check if your income and bike class qualify before buying—this could significantly offset costs.

✅ Quick Compliance Checklist

Final Thoughts

Under the new 2025 California law (SB 1271), it’s no longer just about choosing the right bike—it’s also about choosing a legal, safe, and supported bike. Avoid these 7 pitfalls and you’ll ride with confidence—in compliance and in control.

Stay informed. Ride responsibly.

Related news on CA e‑bike safety and policy References:

San Francisco Chronicle. (2025, April 29). California's e-bike voucher program returns. Here's the 2025 application date. Retrieved from https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/california-ebike-voucher-program-20283092.php

SFGate. (2025a, February 14). California county takes unprecedented step of banning throttle e-bikes for kids. Retrieved from https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/calif-county-unprecedented-kids-ebike-throttle-ban-20257680.php

SFGate. (2025b, January 28). 'Way too fast': Tensions rise over e-bikes in Bay Area suburbs. Retrieved from https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/teen-e-bikes-tension-suburbs-20396360.php