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
Marin CountyClass 2 e-bike age and helmet requirements in unincorporated areas and County Parks
Applies to unincorporated Marin County and Marin County Parks, not incorporated cities. Operators under 16 may not operate Class 2 e-bikes; all Class 2 operators must wear helmets. Scope includes public roadways, highways, multi-use paths, and other places Class 2 e-bikes are allowed.
- Code
- Marin County Code ch. 15.58; Ord. 3833 Marin County electric-bicycle ordinance
- Applies to
- countywide
- Effective
- Tue Jul 01 2025 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Corte MaderaClass 2 age and helmet restrictions and safety pilot
Within Corte Madera, riders under 16 may not operate Class 2 e-bikes and all Class 2 riders must wear helmets. The pilot has a warning period followed by $25 infractions and a safety-course alternative; it expires January 1, 2029. An exact effective date was not established from the available Town ordinance materials.
- Code
- Corte Madera Municipal Code ch. 10.74; Ord. 1045 Corte Madera e-bike safety pilot
- Applies to
- city
