New Electric bike Laws in California – 2026 Update
Posted by No_Creme9603@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 153 comments
bye bye Wired, Escape, Magician, Goat, 🐐 etc..
most states will follow California!
glad I sold my E-cells
TheFlightlessDragon@reddit
I certainly don’t mind tighter regulations on batteries, if in fact they increase consumer safety (we’ll see).
But the rest of it, forget it. Not etching on the frame for me, besides my bike already is illegal technically with a 1.5kw motor and a twist throttle on a class 3.
Visible-Squash-9599@reddit
Now if you live in California and you get caught it'll get impounded and you'll lose that bike
TheFlightlessDragon@reddit
Stuff like that is never enforced in Cali, besides, bow would they know? Police aren’t walking around with multimeters.
newkid14@reddit
I live in San Diego County, and I have an M1 and a Magician. How are any of these regulations going to stop me from filtering through traffic on public roads at 45-60mph? ‘Oh sorry officer, I just bought this bike, it didn’t come with a title or a VIN so I’m not sure how to get it registered , but my insurance should be valid for any vehicle for the first 30 days following purchase.’ Then use the same for years and years because there’s no DMV records that I bought a bicycle on the internet, better yet, I could write myself a bill of sell every week and say I’ll get to the DMV tomorrow. Can people who already ride motorcycles now stick some lights on a Surron and play in traffic?
Visible-Squash-9599@reddit
Bike will get impounded sooner or later
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Well if you rode a dirt bike on a public road, you would have it impounded, That's how the regulations are written exactly for your use case. You ride a bike there's no VIN no license plate and it's on a public road that means impound
newkid14@reddit
Is CA like that? In my home state you can drive a dirt bike, 4 wheeler, golf cart, snowmobile on public roads, whatever you want as long as you put lights on it and get it registered within a reasonable amount of time.
dmonsterative@reddit
Depending on what Class 2 permitted previously, this might be a sort of regulatory taking. Not that anyone in power is going to care.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Core law (definition + labeling requirement): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=312.5.&lawCode=VEH� Original bill (created the class system): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1096� SB 1271 (recent update people are referencing): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1271� AB 1774 (mod/unlock angle): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1774�
dmonsterative@reddit
Go actually read them rather then just cutting and pasting the same links.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Yes I read them, have you?
Look your telling everyone the widely reported update is the law is not real, ride you bike around in front of the cops and tell them you don't believe the laws changed lol
SharkBaitBruHaLol@reddit
I've found that as long as you're not riding like a 🍆 around people, nobody cares. The problem (especially in my town) has been reckless kids that have zero understanding of traffic laws and playing chicken with cars. It was only a matter of for this to happen and the only people we can blame are the parents of the innocent children that do nothing wrong causing chaos.
SharkBaitBruHaLol@reddit
I've found that as long as you're not riding like a 🍆 around people, nobody cares. The problem (especially in my town) has been reckless kids that have zero understanding of traffic laws and playing chicken with cars. It was only a matter of for this to happen and the only people we can blame are the parents of the innocent children that do nothing wrong causing chaos.
dmonsterative@reddit
Yes, I have. I can see what changed because the text is in blue. The cops may very well understand the law better than you seem to.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
https://letrigo.com/blogs/regulations/california-ebike-laws-2026
dmonsterative@reddit
Blogs, now. Which don't agree with the video.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Bro go out and ride your bike wherever you'd like modify it go as fast as you want run right in front of the police You do you !
dmonsterative@reddit
I don't have a modified bike. And that's what would be illegal. A bike that was legal as sold and not modified is not now made illegal under this law. Which is what the video suggests.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab1942
I guess this is fake news too right
dmonsterative@reddit
That's a pending bill.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Yes, I didn't say it passed into law, I just asked if it was fake. You seem to critique any sort of information that's being put out there.
dmonsterative@reddit
I critique people lecturing people and alarming them on law they don't understand. Especially if they're promoting AI generated content they're trying to make a buck on.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
You are delusional. You have no idea what you're talking about. Enjoy your bike. You will be blocked. No need to share any information with you
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
https://letrigo.com/blogs/regulations/california-ebike-laws-2026
dmonsterative@reddit
That's somebody's blog. And where does it talk about retroactivity? or any requirement for notification to past buyers?
stormdelta@reddit
OP uses AI to generate all their comments, I wouldn't expect too much from them in the way of critical thinking lol
Hupperdoo@reddit
Curious to verify what I found by searching, as I want to get an ebike folder(class 1 so there are no issues there) but with UL Certifications.
From what i read, the new CA 2026 law puts regulations on the SALE of ebikes not certified(UL and EN) but if you own one, then thats probably ok. You will not get cited or anything. Just that you cannot sell it? That is the gist of what I see.
I can see getting ticked for going to fast on a bike path, but wondering about getting a ticket not having a certl label of some sort.
Sensitive_Tune_8830@reddit
a bit onerous, but I understand the necessity.
spaceboots@reddit
Dumbasses with Emotos ruin things for everyone.
stormdelta@reddit
Correction, letting privileged idiots who have never commuted by bike a day in their lives write cycling laws ruins it.
The blame for bad laws is on the people writing them.
spaceboots@reddit
Nah, both the idiots driving emotos at 35 to 45 MPH on bike trails and the lawmakers are both equally guilty. Both groups can go f themselves.
stormdelta@reddit
That was already quite illegal though.
Direct_Fuel_6515@reddit
Yes but the 2-stroke guys were never as rampant as the Surron kids. It’s a damn epidemic.
spaceboots@reddit
I didn't say they were just. I'm just saying idiots are being idiots.
ChaseMcDuder@reddit
Yup. All the rich pricks who buy their snot nosed kids Sur Rons.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
People are getting hung up on the peak vs nominal thing and missing the bigger picture.
Yes — the law is based on 750W continuous, not peak. That’s been true. Nobody is saying your typical hub motor that spikes higher suddenly becomes illegal overnight.
But that’s not what these newer laws are targeting. AB 1774 (2025) is about modding and unlocking bikes past legal limits. If you take a bike that was sold as compliant and then unlock it to go 35–40 mph, you’ve already crossed the line. At that point, it’s not an e-bike anymore under CA law.
Then SB 1271 (2026) starts tightening things on the manufacturing and sales side — certified batteries, proper labeling, and compliance. That creates a paper trail of what the bike is supposed to be.
So when someone is ripping down the street at 40 mph, this isn’t a “well maybe it’s peak watts” debate anymore. Between the speed, the labeling, and the modding rules, it’s pretty easy to show the bike isn’t compliant.
That’s the real shift — not redefining every e-bike overnight, but removing the gray area for obviously overpowered or modified bikes.
And once that gray area is gone, liability gets real fast.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Uh that's unfortunately incorrect. SB 1271 limits PEAK to 750W. That's the problem. It's making tens of thousands of ebikes suddenly illegal overnight.
MC_Red_D@reddit
That's what commies do, make you illegal overnight for something stupid.
DirtyBeard443@reddit
Weird, I thought this was capitalism?
MC_Red_D@reddit
Not California
DirtyBeard443@reddit
Yep, none of those capitalist pigs love in California.
Unlucky_Battle_6947@reddit
They want you to spend your money on expensive things, when it doesn’t fit the narrative of the rich and powerful they restrict and control in order to keep the rich more powerful.
It’s simple, don’t require license and endorsement requirements, make a whole Ebike registration as other countries have done. Don’t treat the “grey area” bikes as either, Segway xyber IS the grey area and isn’t a motorcycle and isn’t a bike. That shits a moped, doesn’t have mirrors or turn signals but the body of a motorcycle with 2 modes.
Just register all e-bikes with batteries so the fire department knows how to gear up for their perspective districts inside their cities. Lithium ion batteries can’t be put out with water or normal fire extinguishers.
There are more options than to label the new “e-bikes” coming out other than E-moto. The Xyber looks like an Emoto but definitely isn’t.
Most_Time8900@reddit
Yep. And it's infuriating
DirtyBeard443@reddit
Sees thing happening under capatilism... This is Communist and I hate it!
Dook23@reddit
No. SB 1271 set the limit to continuous power of 750w, not peak. However, there has been a new bill introduced to update section 312.5 of the vehicle code to change the wording to peak power instead of continuous power of simply power: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1557&search_keywords=750+watts
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
So after doing more reading, the current law is supposedly ambiguous and doesn't specify either way if the 750W limit is peak or continuous.
You are right that AB1557 would explicitly define the limit to be based on peak power. It needs to be defeated.
dmonsterative@reddit
There's nothing in it that's explicitly retroactive.
See emissions standards and older cars.
FencingNerd@reddit
It's a bit of a rug pull. The original law didn't change, but it did not specify peak or continuous power. The change clarifies that it is peak power, so the limit didn't change but the definition did.
Direct_Fuel_6515@reddit
I’m pissed because in the diy ebike crowd I am the slow guy, eCargo enthusiast. But when I “modify” a turnkey model (as I’ve always done) from a measly 17amps, 48v to 25amp, 52v I’m breaching the nominal watts “intended” and yes, I go 26mph. I need to though to not bog down below 15mph on hills(while pedaling) or else I damage my motor, effect range, etc. And I’m a criminal who’s trying hide the fact that I really have a motorcycle. Diyers know that most direct drive hubs are anemic, loud, heat producers under 1000watts “continuous”. We’re still not the EU, I know…and I do break federal laws that preexisted, but man is the whole scene tarnished now.. Just ranting…
BoringBob84@reddit
Riding at 15 MPH on hills, while pedestrians and standard bicycles are at walking speed, is very dangerous to them. If you have a mid-drive motor on a heavy bike, you can ascend the hills with less power simply by changing to lower gears.
Direct_Fuel_6515@reddit
90% of the time I’m around cars, not cyclists or pedestrians. I commute, I don’t climb hills for fun. And the car-free shared paths allow up to 15mph here. And I have a bell by law…
BoringBob84@reddit
... are illegal for electric cycles that can exceed 20 MPH or 750 Watts.
Direct_Fuel_6515@reddit
Alright then I’ll use my 3speed switch if I’m not cognitive enough to abide by 15mph…and the motor is fine doing walking speeds on flat ground, it was hills I was originally referring to. Anyway, you are pointing out the stupid crap that’s pissing me off. I am very considerate every where I go. And my bike can’t go 28mph, not designed for that, but I’m still class 3 by default. Oh and the class 3 bikes on car free paths is managed on a local level anyway.
BoringBob84@reddit
Yes, I want to concede this point. Where I live, Class 3 ebikes are generally prohibited by state law on non-motorized paths, unless local governments say otherwise. As such, Class 3 ebikes are generally allowed on bike lanes along roads and highways.
This seems reasonable to me, as the traffic in bike lanes is generally moving faster than on MUPs and pedestrians are usually up on the sidewalk.
BeyondTheVail_1399@reddit
How about these laws can go fuk themselves. Just like my gas mini bikes...catch me if you can. It's a fucking electric bike. Tell the fun police suck it and man up. I'll buy what I want and ride what I want. Cali laws and policy makers can get bent. If continually making new laws only forces us all to become outlaws...then so be it.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Well, the new laws mean the manufacturers will not make bikes that can go more than 20 mph on the throttle and cannot be "unlocked." You won't have a choice. So you will have to "man up."
BeyondTheVail_1399@reddit
Ok cupcake. You keep doing what your told like a good little boy...🤡
Pristine_Hunter_1065@reddit
Typical commiefornia
rwrife@reddit
Bikes are becoming popular so they need to find a way to tax them.
jmsgen@reddit
This. It’s just a money grab. Nothing more.
ghstkatt@reddit
Then I don’t give a shit, the bike runs at a top speed 21 mph and it’s small
Nearby_Parking97@reddit
What's frustrating is that I bought a Segway Myon, which the company advertises as having a max speed of 28 mph. I wasn't aware that in California, there are 3 classes, and basically, my bike can't reach those speeds because it has a throttle. There should be a clause allowing those speeds when the throttle is disabled. Also, it makes no sense how Segway can sell electric scooters that exceed 25+ mph. I understand the safety component, but it should consist of, and companies should disclose this information.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
The prohibition on class 3 from having throttles is asinine. There's no compelling legitimate reason to not allow the more regulated class 3 to throttle to the same 20mph allowed for a class 2.
Imagine two bikes throttling at 20mph on a bike trail that are nearly identical including weight and motor power. One is legal, the other is not becuse the rider might decide to start pedaling beyond 20mph at some uncertain time in the future. Even though the bike immediately ceases to be class 2 (throttle becomes inactive) as soon as it goes over 20mph and transitions to class 3.
If you stop your bike and and disconnect your throttle before increasing your top speed to 28mph (and update your class sticker) it's perfectly legal. Even though it's effectively the same thing as auto transitioning, just much less convenient. It's almost like bike manufacturers want to sell two bikes to every person. One for riding fast. And one for riding lazy.
Prohibiting hybrid class 2/3 ebikes does little more than put cyclists who commute on the road at risk. Throttles are a safety feature to clear intersections quickly. And pairing them with class 3 makes the most sense. Laws that jeopardize safety should be shunned.
FTR_1077@reddit
I ride motorcycles and i also ride bicycles.. I've tried ebikes with throttle and honestly I can't see why would you want it on a bike.. some pedal sensors indeed suck, but not so much that you need a dedicated control on your hand.. if you want a pedal free bike, just get a motorcycle.. they are way more fun.
stormdelta@reddit
Your inability to understand doesn't mean you get to make it everyone else's problem.
My bike is for transportation, not recreation. I don't care if it's "fun", I care that it's safe and practical. Which a throttle is a benefit for, speaking as someone who's ridden bikes as my only transportation for over two decades.
A motorcycle is significantly heavier, larger, more expensive (especially for electric), can't be pedaled at all, has to be used on roads, and goes speeds I have no need or desire for.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/ebikes/comments/1n6lss6/the_many_benefits_of_a_throttle/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
ghstkatt@reddit
Well shit I have an e bike that has no pedals, what are they gonna pull you over biking an e bike without pedals.
Dook23@reddit
If it has no pedals and can’t be pedaled then it’s not classified as an ebike. Pretty simple.
infexity@reddit
Has this been passed in all states or just CA and NJ
hezuschristos@reddit
This actually seems quite reasonable. Although I would prefer some way to register an electric motorcycle
themagicmarmot@reddit
The video is presenting false information from what I can tell. Assuming he's talking about Senate Bill 1271, the law applies to motors with >750w continuous power, not peak power. I'm sure he meant well, but this seems to unintentionally be rage bait as with the way the video words it, basically all popular hub motor e-bikes would suddenly be e-motorcycles - which is not the case.
Dook23@reddit
While that bill did establish that limit of continuous power, it was made in 2024. There is a new bill introduced that amends that to 750 w of peak power: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1557&search_keywords=750+watts
This new one basically makes nearly all popular models illegal such as Lectric e-bikes that can peak over 750w.
5ma5her7@reddit
That actually make much more sense here,
even the most strict European rule does allow peak power of ebikes over 750w, most nice mid-drive motors can easily go over that when climbing.
BoringBob84@reddit
That is also my understanding. The last time I looked it up, EU law limited continuous power to 250 Watts, didn't specify the peak power, and referenced a testing standard that basically allowed higher power until the motor reached thermal equilibrium.
According to Bosch's web site, some of their motors can produce a maximum of 750 Watts for unspecified periods of time. I was very impressed when I rode one. It felt much more powerful than I expected from 250 Watts.
BoringBob84@reddit
I am glad to see California clarifying that. It is a problem with the legislation in many states - probably because the people who originally wrote it do not understand the technology: Peak and continuous power are the same for a gasoline engine, so the law doesn't need to specify. However, peak power is much higher for an electric motor than continuous power, so failing to specify makes the legislation ambiguous.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1096
hezuschristos@reddit
Yah I didn’t watch the video. I read the wording of the infographic.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Core law (definition + labeling requirement): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=312.5.&lawCode=VEH� Original bill (created the class system): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1096� SB 1271 (recent update people are referencing): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1271� AB 1774 (mod/unlock angle): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1774�
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Here’s the actual CA law (Vehicle Code 312.5) + the bills people are referencing. 750W limit + manufacturer labeling is already written into law
Core law (definition + labeling requirement): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=312.5.&lawCode=VEH� Original bill (created the class system): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1096� SB 1271 (recent update people are referencing): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1271� AB 1774 (mod/unlock angle): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1774�
lookingclear@reddit
That's what I am not understanding? Cars do not have strict horse power limits. I had a 50hp Honda while other ppl ride around in 400hp vehicles... There's a speed limit for a reason. How could they possibly enforce this if there is no way to register bikes more powerful than 750w??
BoringBob84@reddit
I think that the important difference here is that cars are not allowed in non-motorized pedestrian spaces and ebikes are. Strict restrictions on speed and power make ebikes no significantly more dangerous to pedestrians than standard bicycles.
dmonsterative@reddit
Motorcycles have displacement limits.
Nelo390@reddit
but motorcycles primarily put the driver at risk, while cars are much more of a weapon to everyone else. I dont know why that's never considered in this safety equation.
hezuschristos@reddit
I think most places are looking at their moped or low speed cycle regs and using those. There isn’t a low powered car classification (who would buy one?), but there is for bikes. Mopeds are usually 50cc, 30mph, working pedals, no need for a motorcycle license, just regular license. It varies on if reg/insurance is needed. Above that it’s a motorcycle and all of the regs that come with that. No HP limit though.
I would bet that most high powered e-bikes wouldn’t meet the requirements to be road legal, therefore would be dirtbikes anyways. Allowed off-road in moto trails.
I agree though, therefore does need to be a path forward for registering and insuring the e-motos that do meet requirements for being street legal. I suspect there is in many places, I also suspect it’s complicated……
Cuissonbake@reddit
How does this affect electric unicycles? May as well just get a motorcycle at this point.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Anyone want to bet that retroactively applying this to ebikes costing thousands of dollars and completely legal when purchased gets struck down under the 8th Amendment?
You heard it hear first.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Lol amendment, talk to the white house about amendments
Also you can own the bone you just can't ride it on public roads, just like a dirt bike or ATV
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
The difference is, people buying dirt bikes, Surrons, etc knew ahead of time their bikes were illegal almost everywhere.
ExcelsAtMediocrity@reddit
thats why this will change nothing. you can go on youtube and find a million videos of teens riding gas powered dirt bikes and go karts in city streets in traffic. its already illegal, it just isnt enforced. this only inconveniences the people who were already trying to follow the law.
bone-tone-lord@reddit
You cannot be serious. Are you actually so unbelievably fucking stupid you think restrictions on "bicycles" are equivalent to actual torture? If you tried to file an 8th Amendment suit over this, you'd be laughed out of the courthouse for any number of reasons, not least of which being that the 8th Amendment is about whether the punishment for a crime is proportional to the crime being committed, not the merits of the law that punishment is for.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Dude,I have a better grasp on the Constitution than half of Congress, multiple members of the Supreme Court, and the President.
dmonsterative@reddit
There's nothing in the actual bill that would appear to apply it retroactively.
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
Correct. It appears this applies to new sales and modifications of existing bikes. Might run into issues if you sell your old bike - so just ride it till it breaks.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
I would consider it cruel punishment if my ebike were made illegal overnight on public trails.
darforce@reddit
No, there is already federal regulations on e-bikes that have been around since the Bush era.
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
No there aren’t.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
If it gets struck down based on federal supremacy, I will be happy too.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
BoringBob84@reddit
Well said. I think this is the root of the problem. Many people want the performance of a motorcycle with the privilege of a bicycle and without the responsibilities of a motorcycle. And then they run over a pedestrian at 30 MPH on a sidewalk.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Bingo, the benefit of bike-like regulation is no insurance, no registration, limited liability, etc. They don't want moped-like accountability but want a 120-lb Wired freedom that goes 40 mph to be treated like a 60-lb Aventon that goes 28.
Then get pissy when the Government puts in legislation that says that the 3k bike we told you was off-road can be identified, ticketed, and confiscated because said legislation closes loopholes and holds everyone accountable
BoringBob84@reddit
👍
As an experienced adult, bicyclist, motorcyclist, and motorist, limits on speed and power make sense to me for motorized vehicles that are allowed in pedestrian spaces. It seems reasonable to me that eBikes should have similar size and speed as bicycles to limit the safety risk to everyone.
However, if I was a belligerent, testosterone-addled, young teenage boy, I might not care about all of that - only my own thrill and convenience. I wouldn't have the life experience to understand how badly things could go wrong. That is where the parents (and ultimately, the government) have a responsibility to restrict the vehicles to which children have access, so that the damage that they can do to themselves and to other people is limited.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
💯👍🙏💪
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
All bikes in CA are considered motor vehicles e-bike or human powered. All bikes are allowed to ride with traffic on any road except for freeways.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Ok? 👌
BoringBob84@reddit
I hear you. Some people claim that the law is what they think it should be, rather than finding out what it actually is.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Like I did not write the law lol
FailsWithTails@reddit
Yep. I'm legally required to ride with cars when there is no bike-exclusive lane, and (at least if the road markings here are to be trusted) anytime I'm making a left turn.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Peak motor output should either only apply to ebikes manufactured after January 1, 2026 or existing ebikes should be grandfathered in for at least 5 years.
Outlawing bikes that are already owned by tens of thousands that were completely legal when purchased is inappropriate and not consistent with due process.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
It's not outlawed; you just can't use it on public roads.
Class 3 has been around for years... You knew when you bought it. Now they've put laws in place that allow them to enforce, so no more dicking around...
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
That’s not true at all. As others have pointed out you can ride older bikes that are now in violation of the law just fine you’ll run into issues if you try and sell it.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
If you read the legislation they speak about older bikes and they are held to the same standard as what's current
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
I did, despite your lack of working links, and they do not state there will be checks against this. This is a classic case of “grandfathered” allowances where you are exempt because it predates the law. Note the differences in laws between this, other emission codes and safety regs in CA. You can own an “illegal” diesel truck if it was originally registered in CA before 1990 when the laws were changed. The law didn’t make a carve out for it, it just didn’t prohibit ownership of it.
BoringBob84@reddit
They are called, "Grandfather clauses" for a reason. If they are not specified in the legislation, then all equipment (including older equipment) must comply with the new law.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Good luck with that 👍!
Melodic_Let_6465@reddit
Personal accountability? Sir, this is 2026, and that kind of nonsense hasnt existed for the better part of two decades
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
That's some real hairsplitting there. Of course it's not outlawed on private property. Banning on public roads/trails make them essentially worthless to most owners.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
You can't ride a dirl bike downtown, you can't drive an ATV around, unless your town allows it you can't drive a golf cart around, I sold my Ecells cus I did not want to deal with this shit
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
You are completely missing the point. I'm not talking about ECells, Magician, Surron, or Talaria.
I'm talking about class 1/2/3 ebikes with nominal 750W motors that were legal up until this year. But are now being classified as illegal because they peak beyond 750W.
It's a rug pull.
dmonsterative@reddit
This doesn't clearly outlaw their possession.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
I watched the video and it's confirming what I previously read.
The law requires manufactures to notify anyone who purchased one of their ebikes within the last 5 years if the ebike doesn't meet the new guidelines, including the peak output. It indicates licensing and registration as moped required.
This is a completely ridiculous rug pull. Imagine telling motorists their 2022 Toyota Forerunner or 2024 Ford Explorer was no longer legal on residential roads.
dmonsterative@reddit
The video is not the law. The statutes are the law.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
No kidding. SB1271 (which passed) does actually appear to retroactively make some previously legal ebikes illegal.
Were you asserting otherwise or simply stating the obvious?
dmonsterative@reddit
Where?
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
SB455 would require notifications to buyers within the past 5 years if their bike is no longer legally compliant. The bill failed to pass (for now).
The insinuation by the bill however remains. Bicycles that were previously legal are no longer legal.
dmonsterative@reddit
Right. If the video says that, then someone generated an AI summary that pulled in a dead bill for their script.
There is no 'insinuation.' Repeal or amendment by implication is profoundly disfavored.
Trying to enforce new limites against, e.g. Class 2 bikes that were legal when sold and have not been modified since is not the aim of this or other bills that actually passed.
Grey market post-sale modifications, yes. But people knew they were outside of the classifications with those already.
Then there's the separate problem of whether all the Class 2 drop-shopped bikes from the last few years ever really were compliant w/the 2015 requirements. But that's not retroactivity, even if enforcement is stepped up.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
Read Section 3 at the end of SB1271. Where it says no reimbursement is required based on the law creating a new infraction or crime. That certainly sounds like retroactive application.
SB445 absolutely insinuates that bikes that were previously legal are no longer so. There's no other way to read the mandated notices to current owners.
dmonsterative@reddit
SB 455 isn't law.
That is not what that last paragraph is saying, at all. It's there to satisfy certain requirements that budgetary impact of legislation be addressed. Read the whole sentence, it's generic boilerplate.
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
In my prior comment I already acknowledged that SB455 did not pass, hence is not law.
The point remains, what is the purpose of proposing a bill that requires retroactive notifications by manufacturers if no bikes have been made illegal by new laws retroactively? You seem to be skipping over that piece.
dmonsterative@reddit
Maybe that's why it didn't pass.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Core law (definition + labeling requirement): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=312.5.&lawCode=VEH� Original bill (created the class system): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1096� SB 1271 (recent update people are referencing): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1271� AB 1774 (mod/unlock angle): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1774�
dmonsterative@reddit
I don't see any of that in 1271's amendments.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billCompareClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1271&showamends=false
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1096
dmonsterative@reddit
That's from 2015.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Core law (definition + labeling requirement): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=312.5.&lawCode=VEH� Original bill (created the class system): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1096� SB 1271 (recent update people are referencing): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1271� AB 1774 (mod/unlock angle): https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1774�
Inciteful_Analysis@reddit
A class 1 with throttle is allowed. It's called class 2.
this_shit@reddit
CALIFORNIA STIORNIA
Helleri@reddit
So I have to get a replacement battery (when it's time) from a specific place? Where?
lookingclear@reddit
Does this mean there is a legal way to register bikes as emotos over 750w?
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
No, they can only be used on private roads like a dirt bike or an ATV. You can drive an ATV to the market. You can't register it. It does not matter that you bought it before they started enforcing the laws.
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
No you can register it as a moped in CA and ride it easily. It’s like $20 and you don’t need signals/insurance.
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
Actually California just issued a ballot measure to require licensing on class two and class 3 bikes which means if they go that route and people are speeding and it's not registered as a e-bike You're looking at fines, confiscation points to get your driver's license etc I think the air a high speed bikes is over People are going to have to register them as mopeds. You're not going to be able to ride 35 mph and have the protections of riding a bike
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
And it has to pass. Which it won’t. Knock it off
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
I truly hope they don't but I wouldn't bet against it
darforce@reddit
Every state that I believe has a path to title a non-VIN’d vehicle. You would need to equip it for road use, headlights taillights, turn signals etc. Then apply, have it inspected, then they give you a VIN and you can register it. It’s a bit complicated. I built a motorcycle a few years ago. It’s not easy but doable
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
In CA you can use any easily viewable number be it the hub motor number or frame number. They just need something to prove you didn’t register a class 1 and ride a small motorcycle
_matlock_@reddit
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/motorized-bicycle-instructions-application-pdf/
https://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/California_Moped_registration_for_dummies
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
You are correct. Also you’ll need a M2 license which you can get with the registered e-bike moped (you can ride it with a motorcycle permit which is a written test).
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
miniminerrockhound@reddit
EqualVast5973@reddit
My question, is how will they know what the real power of your bike is? They can make all the laws they want, BUT, people will find a way around it, and Cops are not gonna waste there time chasing down some random dude on a ebike unless they are doing something stupid to get a cops attention.
In my area, boats are only allowed I think its 9.9 hp on a lake. You know how many boats are going around with a 15 hp motor, but the sticker on it says 9.9.
I am lucky, this will never really affect me, living in a town with one stop light and two gas stations, we dont even have full time cops, Just county. I will never give up my e bike.
Sad-Chard-lz129@reddit
It’s made for retailers and manufacturers not owners. If you go past 40 mph in front of a cop you’re DOA but otherwise you’re probably fine. Laws like these are designed to remove a cop’s discretion; ie “well if they could buy it then it must be legal”. Then the modification portion of the law is designed to trap those who do ride 40 in front of cops.
lesenfantoublies@reddit
only if they are willing to pursue distracted driving from cell phone use the to the same degree. oh wait no we can't do that
No_Creme9603@reddit (OP)
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1774