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
SanteeUnder-12 e-bike and signed-sidewalk restrictions
Until January 1, 2029 unless extended by the Legislature, riders under 12 may not operate Class 1 or 2 e-bikes; a parent or guardian may not knowingly permit it. Violations receive warnings during the first 60 days after the prohibition takes effect, then are infractions with a $25 fine, subject to a safety-training fee waiver. E-bike riding is also prohibited on sidewalks where the City Engineer posts signs. The ordinance was adopted December 10, 2025 and says it takes effect 30 days later; the listed effective date is calculated from that adoption date.
- Code
- Santee Municipal Code §§ 10.22.015–.016; Ord. 628 Santee electric-bicycle ordinance
- Applies to
- city
- Effective
- Fri Jan 09 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
