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Is this e-bike street-legal in California?

Celebrate smart choices. Verify before you ride.

  1. 1Enter details
  2. 2Check rules
  3. 3See result

Why this matters

A bike that was legal when purchased may not remain legal after its settings are changed.

Parents may be held liable for injuries or damage.
Violations can lead to fines, citations, and bike confiscation.
Protect your child, others, and yourself. Ride responsibly.

Watch: Is my e-bike legal?

Your verdict will appear here

Pick an e-bike and enter a date of birth to run the check.

Next steps for parents

Be informed. Check your bike. Protect your child.

  1. 1Check the bike

    Review the bike's settings and limits.

  2. 2Check the app

    Look for ride modes, speed limits, and locks.

  3. 3Talk with your child

    Make sure they understand the rules and consequences.

  4. 4Get your permit

    If eligible, complete the free RidePermit process.

Start Permit Learn the law

Understand the law

California's three e-bike classes

1
Class 1 — Pedal assist

Motor helps only while pedaling, stops at 20 mph. No throttle. No state age minimum.

2
Class 2 — Throttle

Throttle can power the bike without pedaling, stops at 20 mph. No state age minimum.

3
Class 3 — Speed pedelec

Pedal assist up to 28 mph. Rider must be 16+ and wear a helmet.

The problem is real — and preventable

1,557%
rise in pediatric e-bike injuries, CHOC 2019–2024
#1
trauma ER cause at Rady Children's, 2025
11–14
most-injured age range

Kids on bikes too fast for their age

We screen the bike against the rider before they ride

Every enrollment is validated against CA Vehicle Code and the rider's age — a Class 3 bike with a 13-year-old is flagged before a permit is issued.

"Never took a class on how to ride safely"

Safety training is a required step, not an afterthought

A CHP-aligned safety module is built into enrollment — riders learn the rules of the road before they're permitted.

No accountability, inconsistent enforcement

A scannable sticker proves a bike is permitted & compliant

Schools and law enforcement can verify any permit in seconds — a consistent way to enforce district policy.

Parents don't know the rules differ by class

This free checker gives a clear answer in seconds

No signup required — every California family can check their bike, whether or not their district uses RidePermit yet.

RidePermit supports safer riding through screening, required training, and verifiable compliance. It does not replace adult supervision or guarantee against injury. Sources: UC Berkeley SafeTREC 2025; Rady Children's Hospital; CHOC.