California E-Bike Laws 2026: What's Changing on January 1st
New California e-bike laws take effect January 1, 2026. The biggest changes include requiring rear lights at all times (not just at night), new battery safety certification requirements, and stricter enforcement for non-compliant vehicles. Riding 5 can help you make sure your e-bike meets the new California requirements at any of our locations.
Here's a side-by-side comparison of what's changing.
Rear Light and Reflector Requirements (AB 544)
Starting January 1, 2026, California requires all e-bikes to have a rear red reflector or rear red light with a built-in reflector at all times, not just when riding at night.
| Before 2026 | Starting January 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Rear red reflector or light required only when riding in darkness | Rear red reflector or light required at ALL times, day and night |
| Requirement applied only during nighttime hours | Requirement applies during all hours of operation |
The reflector or light must be visible from 500 feet to the rear when illuminated by vehicle headlights. Violations are treated as an infraction.
What you need to do: Check your e-bike for a rear red reflector or light. If you don't have one, add it before January 1st. Riding 5 carries rear lights and reflectors at all our locations and can install them for you.
Battery Safety Certification (SB 1271)
Starting January 1, 2026, all e-bike batteries sold in California must be safety certified by an accredited testing laboratory.
| Before 2026 | Starting January 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| No specific certification required for battery sales | All e-bike batteries sold must be tested by an accredited lab and meet UL 2849, EN 15194, or equivalent safety standards |
| Retailers could sell any battery | Retailers prohibited from selling non-certified batteries |
| No labeling requirements | Batteries must display the testing lab's logo and the certification standard |
This law targets the fire hazard risk from uncertified lithium-ion batteries. Battery fires from cheap, untested batteries have caused injuries and property damage across California.
What you need to do: When buying a new e-bike or replacement battery, verify it has proper safety certification. All e-bike brands sold at Riding 5 have certified batteries that meet California's new safety standards.
You don't need to replace a battery you already own. This law applies to new sales only. Rental companies have until January 1, 2028 to comply.
Enforcement and Vehicle Impoundment (AB 875)
Police have new authority to impound non-compliant electric vehicles starting January 1, 2026.
| Before 2026 | Starting January 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Limited enforcement options for non-compliant vehicles | Police can impound vehicles for at least 48 hours if they don't meet the e-bike definition but have an electric motor capable of exclusively propelling the vehicle over 20 mph |
| No specific process for minors on Class 3 | Class 3 e-bikes operated by riders under 16 can be impounded; a CHP safety course may be required before release |
What you need to do: Make sure your e-bike meets the legal definition. It must have fully operable pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less. If your vehicle has been modified to exceed these limits, it may be classified as a motor vehicle.
Class Definitions and Throttle Rules
SB 1271 also includes updated definitions for Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes that clarify throttle restrictions. The details of these changes can vary by specific e-bike model and configuration. Stop by any Riding 5 location and our staff can help you understand how these updates may affect your bike or a bike you're considering.
What's NOT Changing in 2026
These core California e-bike rules stay the same:
| Rule | Stays the Same |
|---|---|
| Maximum motor power | 750 watts |
| Class 1 speed limit | 20 mph (pedal-assist) |
| Class 2 speed limit | 20 mph (throttle allowed) |
| Class 3 speed limit | 28 mph (pedal-assist) |
| Helmet required under 18 | Yes, all classes |
| Helmet required on Class 3 | Yes, all ages |
| Minimum age for Class 3 | 16 years old |
| License required | No |
| Registration required | No |
| Insurance required | No |
2026 California E-Bike Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure your e-bike is ready for 2026:
- Rear red light or reflector installed (visible from 500 feet)
- E-bike has fully functional pedals
- Motor is 750 watts or less
- No speed or power modifications installed
- Battery is safety certified (for new purchases)
- Helmet ready (required for under 18 and all Class 3 riders)
Why California Updated E-Bike Laws for 2026
California updated these laws to address two main safety concerns:
Rider visibility: Many e-bike accidents happen because drivers don't see riders during dawn, dusk, or overcast conditions. Requiring rear lights at all times makes riders visible in all lighting conditions.
Battery fire prevention: Uncertified lithium-ion batteries have caused fires in homes and apartments. Safety certification ensures batteries meet standards for charging and operation.
Get Your E-Bike Ready for 2026
Riding 5 offers free e-bike compliance checks at all our store locations. Bring your e-bike in and we'll verify it meets California's 2026 requirements. We can install rear lights or reflectors if you need them.
If you're shopping for a new e-bike, every bike we sell is California-compliant with certified batteries and proper safety equipment.
Our Locations: Claremont | Ontario | Brea | Long Beach | Huntington Beach | Temecula
Want to understand all California e-bike rules? Read our complete California E-Bike Laws Guide for the full breakdown of the three-class system, where you can ride, and helmet requirements.
