Whether you’re an experienced racer or just looking to enjoy the thrill of competition, California offers some of the best e-bike events in the country. From urban races in cities like Los Angeles to rugged off-road challenges along the coast, there’s something for everyone in 2025. Here’s a look at some of the top e-bike races and festivals taking place across the state next year.
1. Electric Bike Festival - California
- Location: Various cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego)
- Overview: The Electric Bike Festival is one of the biggest events for e-bike enthusiasts in California, attracting top manufacturers, riders, and industry experts. These festivals often feature a mix of product showcases, demo rides, and competitive e-bike races. Expect both urban and off-road e-bike races that cater to riders of all levels.
- Typical Date: Annually in the summer or fall.
- What to Expect in 2025: A chance to experience cutting-edge e-bike technology and compete in friendly races that attract thousands of e-bike enthusiasts from around the country.
2. Santa Monica E-Bike Race
- Location: Santa Monica, CA
- Overview: Santa Monica, with its bike-friendly infrastructure and beautiful coastal views, is an ideal location for an e-bike race. This race is part of a larger e-bike festival in the area, featuring both casual rides and competitive races. Riders can expect a fast-paced, urban race with scenic backdrops and the chance to interact with e-bike brands.
- Typical Date: Spring or Summer.
- What to Expect in 2025: A high-energy race that combines the thrill of competition with the laid-back California vibe. Perfect for those who want to race through urban landscapes while enjoying ocean breezes.
3. Race Across America (RAAM) – E-Bike Category
- Location: Starts in California, crossing the U.S.
- Overview: While traditionally known for ultra-endurance cycling, Race Across America (RAAM) has introduced an e-bike category in recent years. E-bike riders now have the opportunity to compete in this grueling 3,000-mile race across the United States, starting from California and finishing on the East Coast.
- Typical Date: June.
- What to Expect in 2025: A chance to test your endurance against some of the best long-distance e-bike racers in the world. This is not a race for the faint of heart, as RAAM pushes riders to their physical and mental limits.
4. NorCal Electric Bike Race Series
- Location: Northern California (e.g., Marin County, Napa Valley)
- Overview: The NorCal Electric Bike Race Series has gained popularity in recent years, attracting both amateur and professional e-bike racers. This series takes place across various locations in Northern California, featuring off-road and mountain e-bike races. The stunning landscapes of Marin County and Napa Valley provide the perfect backdrop for these challenging races.
- Typical Date: Spring and Summer.
- What to Expect in 2025: The NorCal series promises to continue growing in 2025, with more competitive races and exciting courses. Riders will have the chance to race through rugged terrain, dense forests, and scenic vineyards, all while pushing the limits of their e-bikes.
5. Big Sur E-Bike Challenge
- Location: Big Sur, CA
- Overview: Big Sur’s rugged coastline and breathtaking views make it a perfect location for an e-bike race. The Big Sur E-Bike Challenge attracts competitive riders who want to race along some of the most picturesque roads in California. The course includes a mix of road and off-road sections, challenging riders with steep climbs and technical descents.
- Typical Date: Summer.
- What to Expect in 2025: This race is expected to be even more thrilling in 2025, with larger participation and perhaps more challenging routes. The stunning coastal views make this race both an athletic and aesthetic experience.
6. Los Angeles E-Bike Race & Festival
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Overview: Los Angeles is becoming an increasingly popular destination for e-bike races, with a number of annual races and festivals dedicated to the e-bike community. The Los Angeles E-Bike Race & Festival brings together e-bike enthusiasts for a weekend of racing, product demos, and workshops. Participants can compete in a variety of race formats, from urban circuit races to off-road events.
- Typical Date: Late Spring or Early Summer.
- What to Expect in 2025: Expect the 2025 edition to be even bigger, with new race categories, tech showcases, and possibly international e-bike competitors. The LA festival will continue to be a hub for both seasoned racers and newcomers looking to experience the e-bike racing scene.
7. Sea Otter Classic – E-Bike Category
- Location: Monterey, CA
- Overview: One of the largest cycling events in North America, the Sea Otter Classic is a must-attend for competitive cyclists and e-bike enthusiasts alike. The Sea Otter Classic hosts a dedicated e-bike category, where participants race on both mountain and road circuits. The event features some of the best e-bike brands and a competitive field of riders.
- Typical Date: April.
- What to Expect in 2025: With a growing number of e-bike races at the Sea Otter Classic, the 2025 event will likely offer even more opportunities for e-bike racers, including more challenging race categories and larger participation. Don’t miss out on one of the premier cycling events in the country.
8. E-Bike Racing League of California (2025 Series)
- Location: Multiple locations across California
- Overview: The E-Bike Racing League of California is a competitive league for e-bike racers, offering a series of races across the state. From mountain races to urban circuit events, this league brings together top-tier e-bike riders. The league provides a platform for both amateurs and professionals to compete at a high level.
- Typical Date: Spring to Fall.
- What to Expect in 2025: With the rise of e-bike racing leagues across the country, the 2025 season will likely see more races and larger audiences. Expect fierce competition, professionally organized events, and plenty of action.
Stay Updated and Get Involved
As e-bike racing continues to grow in California, these events represent just a small slice of what's to come. To stay informed about upcoming races, sign up for event newsletters, follow e-bike racing organizations on social media, and visit event platforms like Active.com, Eventbrite, and RaceSignUp.com. Whether you're looking to race or simply enjoy the festivities, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for electric bike racing in California.
Final Thoughts
California’s e-bike racing scene is on the rise, and 2025 looks set to be an exciting year for riders of all levels. From scenic coastal races to grueling cross-country challenges, there's an event for everyone. Mark your calendars and prepare for some thrilling competitions as California continues to lead the charge in the world of e-bike racing!