CaliforniaElectric bicycle classes, age, helmets, and path access
California defines three e-bike classes up to 750 watts. Class 3 operators must be at least 16 and operators and passengers must wear helmets; bicycle riders under 18 also have a helmet requirement. Class 3 path access is generally limited to paths adjacent to a roadway or locally permitted paths, and local authorities may restrict e-bike operation on paths. 2026 amendments also address Class 3 sales to minors and rear lighting/reflectors.
- Code
- Cal. Veh. Code §§ 312.5, 21200–21213, 21207.5, 24016 California Vehicle Code, Division 11, Article 4
- Applies to
- statewide
Chula VistaCity electric-bicycle age, passenger, helmet, sidewalk, and facility rules
Within Chula Vista, Class 1 and 2 operators must be at least 12; riders under 18 may not carry passengers; under-18 riders must wear helmets, and Class 3 riders must wear helmets at any age. Class 3 sidewalk operation is barred; micromobility sidewalk use is restricted in business districts and where signed. City-owned parking structures are generally off-limits to micromobility devices except for access/traversal.
- Code
- CVMC ch. 10.73; Ord. 3597 Chula Vista electric-bicycle ordinance
- Applies to
- city
- Effective
- Thu Sep 04 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
