California’s New E-Bike Law: Throttles No Longer Welcome on Class 1 and 3 Bikes
Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Kristina
As of today, California is tightening its regulations on electric bicycles, and one of the most notable changes is the crackdown on throttle-enabled e-bikes. In September, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1271 into law, reworking the state’s electric bike regulations. Among the most significant changes is a revision of the state’s three-class e-bike system, which could render many throttle-enabled e-bikes currently on the road in California illegal.
The Three-Class System Revisited
To understand the new rules, it’s important to first review California’s existing three-class e-bike system, which has long been the model for the majority of e-bike laws in the U.S. The classes are:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).
- Class 2: Throttle-assisted e-bikes, also with a 20 mph (32 km/h) limit.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h), but no throttle-assisted acceleration.
All three classes have been limited to a maximum motor power of 750W (one horsepower). This setup has worked for years, but some ambiguity in the law has caused confusion, especially regarding throttles on Class 3 bikes.
What’s Changing Under SB-1271?
The new law clears up the confusion and makes one key change: throttles are no longer allowed on Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes. That’s right—if you’re riding a Class 1 or Class 3 e-bike in California, it can no longer have a throttle that powers the motor independently of pedaling, no matter how fast the bike goes. The law now explicitly states that a Class 1 or Class 3 e-bike is a pedal-assist-only bike, meaning throttles are only allowed on Class 2 e-bikes, which are limited to 20 mph.
So, What’s Allowed Now?
While throttles remain legal on Class 2 e-bikes, the law introduces some restrictions even here. Specifically, it allows throttles on Class 2 bikes up to 20 mph, but once the bike reaches that limit, the throttle must cease to function.
The law also clarifies motor power ratings. Previously, many manufacturers marketed their e-bikes as having a continuous power rating of 750W, but with additional peak power available for short bursts. Now, the law eliminates the word “continuous” from the definition and simply limits motor power to 750W maximum. This means that e-bikes may still briefly exceed 750W under peak conditions, but the motor’s rating cannot exceed that threshold.
A Key Throttle Exception
One exception to the new throttle rules is that Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes can have a throttle that activates the motor up to 3.7 mph (6 km/h), which aligns with regulations in the EU. This very low-speed throttle is intended for walking assist or moving the bike slowly when it’s not being ridden—think of it like a parking assist feature.
What Does This Mean for Manufacturers and Riders?
Starting today, manufacturers will no longer be able to sell Class 3 e-bikes with a functional throttle in California. If a rider is caught with a Class 3 e-bike featuring a throttle that works above 20 mph, the bike could be considered non-compliant.
However, manufacturers can still market Class 2 e-bikes that are capable of being modified by users to reach higher speeds—up to 28 mph or more—by unlocking the pedal assist settings. The key here is that the throttle must be disabled beyond 20 mph, and the motor must stay within the 750W limit. But this also means that the responsibility for ensuring the bike complies with the law now lies with the rider, especially if they choose to unlock higher speeds via user modifications.
Will Older E-Bikes Be Affected?
It remains unclear whether older e-bikes will be grandfathered in under the new law. Unlike certain laws about vehicle safety (like seatbelts), it’s not certain whether previously manufactured e-bikes will be allowed to remain in circulation without modification.
Could Manufacturers Work Around This?
Yes, there’s still some flexibility for e-bike manufacturers. While California can no longer sell Class 3 bikes with functional throttles, it is possible to sell Class 2 e-bikes that are modifiable by the user to reach speeds over 20 mph—so long as the throttle function is only active up to that speed. Technically, the throttle feature could still be included in bikes marketed as Class 2, allowing for modifications that would push the bike to higher speeds, but the responsibility would then fall to the rider to ensure compliance.
This means that many manufacturers may continue to offer their popular high-speed bikes as Class 2 e-bikes, where the throttle cuts off at 20 mph but can be adjusted by the rider to go up to 28 mph on pedal assist. The key takeaway: The law focuses on the sales process, not necessarily what happens to the bike afterward.
Impact on the Industry
This law is likely to have a profound effect on the U.S. e-bike market, especially for those who favor throttle-controlled bikes. Many American e-bike riders rely on throttles for easy, no-pedal acceleration, particularly on Class 3 bikes that can hit 28 mph. As of today, manufacturers may phase out these throttles from future models, while others may simply push the responsibility for compliance onto the riders.
What’s Next for E-Bikes in California?
Looking ahead, the biggest question is whether other states will follow California’s lead and introduce similar laws. The user-unlocking loophole may also be addressed in future legislation, which could complicate things for manufacturers and riders alike.
Despite all the changes, California remains a significant market for electric bicycles. As these new laws take effect, we’ll likely see new regulations ripple across the nation. For now, riders in California will need to be mindful of whether their e-bikes conform to the new restrictions, and manufacturers will need to adapt to a market where throttle-based e-bikes are no longer the norm.
What do you think about California’s new e-bike regulations? Will they impact your riding experience or bike choice? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more updates on e-bike news and regulations!
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Kristina is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
