California e-bike laws 2026: rear red light/reflector required day and night, stricter battery safety certifications, and tougher enforcement on speed/power mods.
Starting Jan 1, 2026, California e-bike laws require a rear red reflector or a red rear light with a built-in reflector at all times (day and night), tighten rules so e-bikes and batteries sold/leased in California must be safety-tested and permanently labeled, and increase enforcement on speed/power mods—if you modify a bike beyond the legal 750W continuous-rated and class limits, it may be treated as an illegal motor vehicle under E-bike laws in California. This blog explains the key 2026 updates to California e-bike laws—what changed, what’s now required, and how to stay legal.
Table: Timeline of the 2026 E-Bike Law Updates
| Date | What changes | Why it matters |
| July 14, 2025 | AB 544 approved (required equipment + minor helmet course update) | Sets the new “rear red” rule that applies in 2026 |
| Jan 1, 2026 | Rear red reflector/light required during all hours (not only darkness) | You can be cited in daylight if it’s missing |
| Jan 1, 2026 | SB 1271 safety standards: sale/lease restrictions + labeling + test report on request | Retailers and brands must verify certified batteries/chargers |
| Jan 1, 2028 | Rental restrictions expand (e.g., rentals must also meet testing rules) | Impacts rental fleets and tour operators |
Overview of California’s Legal Definition of an E-Bike
What Is Considered a Legal Electric Bike in California
At the core of California electric bike laws is the definition: an e-bike is a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor with continuous rated mechanical power not more than 750 watts, then it falls into a class (1–3).
Power and Speed Limits Explained (750W and Speed Caps)
California keeps the familiar framework:
- Power cap: 750W (continuous rated mechanical power).
- Speed caps: tied to class (20 mph for Class 1/2; 28 mph assist for Class 3).
Table: California’s Three-Class E-Bike System
| Class | How it assists | Max assisted speed | Throttle? | Key notes |
| Class 1 | Pedal-assist only | 20 mph | No | Assistance must stop at 20 mph |
| Class 2 | Throttle + pedal-assist | 20 mph | Yes | Still capped at 20 mph |
| Class 3 | Pedal-assist only | 28 mph | No | Must be equipped with a speedometer |
Clarifications and Updates to E-Bike Definitions in 2026
By 2026, the practical “line” California wants to enforce is clearer:
- The law emphasizes continuous rated 750W (not just marketing peak numbers).
LegiScan - It also targets “looks like an e-bike, sells like an e-bike, but can be switched into illegal speed/power” scenarios—certain vehicles cannot be advertised/sold/labeled as electric bicycles if they don’t match the legal definition.
New Equipment and Safety Requirements in 2026
Mandatory Rear Red Light or Reflector (Day and Night Use)
This is the headline change most riders will actually notice: an electric bicycle must have a rear red reflector or a solid/flashing red rear light with a built-in reflector during all hours, not only when riding in darkness. The visibility standard is 500 feet when illuminated by lawful high beams.
Changes to Visibility Requirements for E-Bikes
Previously, the “rear red” equipment rule was tied to riding during darkness for bicycles generally. The 2026 update carves out a stricter rule specifically for e-bikes: the rear red requirement applies all the time.
Penalties for Non-Compliance With Visibility Rules
A violation of the required equipment provisions is treated as an infraction. In practice, the exact out-the-door cost can vary depending on local assessments and court fees, but the key point is: it’s now ticketable in daylight.
Battery and Component Safety Standards
Required Battery Safety Certifications (UL 2849 and UL 2271)
SB 1271 is where the “certified batteries only” rule lives. Beginning in 2026, the battery for an electric bicycle must be tested by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with standards referenced in ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 or EN 15194, or another safety standard adopted by rule.
What these standards generally cover:
- UL 2849 evaluates the e-bike’s electrical system (drive train system, battery system, and charger system combinations) for electrical/fire safety.
- UL 2271 is a battery standard used for light electric vehicle battery packs and is referenced in California’s storage-battery rules (and related mobility device requirements).
Labeling and Certification Display Requirements
It’s not enough to be tested—you have to show it. Starting in 2026, California prohibits distributing/selling/leasing e-bikes, mobility devices, chargers, or storage batteries unless the accredited lab’s logo/label/name and the applicable certification standard are permanently affixed directly on the device/system/battery (secondhand sales are treated differently).
Sales and Rental Restrictions on Non-Certified E-Bikes
The big operational change for the market:
- No distributing/selling/leasing covered products without the required testing and labeling (starting 2026).
- Rentals face parallel restrictions beginning 2028 (important for fleets/tours).
- Manufacturers/importers/distributors/retailers must provide a true and accurate test report upon request
Key Regulatory Changes and New E-Bike Laws
AB 544 – Updated Visibility and Minor Safety Rules
AB 544 does two practical things:
- It makes the rear red reflector/light rule apply to e-bikes at all hours.
- For minors cited for helmet violations involving e-bikes, it supports clearing/dismissing the process by completing a specialized electric bicycle safety course (including the CHP program) and providing proof within the specified window.
AB 1774 – Ban on Speed and Power Modification Devices
AB 1774 targets the “speed hack” ecosystem by restricting devices and products intended to modify an e-bike or motorized bicycle beyond legal limits, and it tightens the rules around tampering with required labeling/classification.
When a Modified E-Bike Becomes an Illegal Motor Vehicle
California is drawing a bright line: if a “bike” can be adjusted so it no longer matches the e-bike definition, it may not be treated as an e-bike at all.
Examples the law flags as disqualifying:
- A bike designed to be adjusted to go faster than 20 mph on motor power alone (for certain definitions),
- A motor with continuous rated mechanical power over 750W,
- A bicycle that has its pedals removed so it no longer has fully operable pedals.
Once it’s outside the e-bike definition, it can fall into a different vehicle category (and that can trigger requirements like registration/insurance/helmet rules that apply to motor vehicles, not bicycles). This is one reason “just don’t ride it like a maniac” is not a compliance strategy—it’s a classification problem.
SB 1271 – Mandatory Safety Testing and Manufacturer Responsibility
SB 1271 is the backbone of 2026 battery safety enforcement:
- State Fire Marshal regulations in the Fire Code aimed at e-bike/mobility device battery safety.
- Accredited lab testing requirements for batteries (and related rules for chargers and storage batteries).
- Mandatory permanent labeling of lab + standard.
- Test report access requirement (manufacturer/importer/distributor/retailer must provide it upon request).
Enforcement and Penalties in 2026
Fines for Equipment and Visibility Violations
AB 544 expands an equipment requirement where violations are treated as infractions. The key enforcement change is frequency and ease: it’s now enforceable any time you ride, not just after dark.
Legal Consequences of Riding a Modified E-Bike
AB 1774 and the clarified definition framework are meant to make “mods” enforceable as more than just a technicality—if the bike is no longer a legal e-bike, you’re not protected by bicycle rules.
Penalties for Non-Compliant Manufacturers and Retailers
For businesses, the penalty can be as simple and painful as: you can’t legally sell/lease the product in California if it doesn’t meet testing and labeling requirements. And if you can’t produce a legitimate test report when requested, that’s another compliance red flag.
Helmet Violations and Safety Course Alternatives for Minors
Helmet violations for under-18 riders are still treated as an infraction with a fine capped at $25, but AB 544 emphasizes a compliance path for e-bike-related helmet citations: proof of a compliant helmet plus completion of a specialized e-bike safety course (including the CHP program) can prevent the citation from turning into a court record/fee.
Practical Compliance Checklist for Riders and Owners
Checking Rear Light and Reflector Requirements
Before you ride (even for a sunny, short errand):
- Confirm you have a rear red reflector or a red rear light with built-in reflector.
- Make sure it’s mounted and not blocked by bags/racks.
Verifying Battery and Component Certifications
If you’re buying (or upgrading) in 2026:
- Look for the permanently affixed accredited lab mark and the certification standard on the bike/battery/charger.
- If it’s from a shop, you can ask for the test report.
Avoiding Illegal Modifications
A safe rule of thumb under modern California e-bike rules:
- Don’t use speed/power “tuning” devices.
- Don’t remove pedals.
- Don’t buy a bike marketed as an “e-bike” if it can be switched into clearly illegal modes.
Understanding Local City and County E-Bike Rules
Even if your bike is legal statewide, local agencies can still restrict where certain devices can be used (for example, specific paths, trails, or beach routes). Treat “legal” and “allowed here” as two separate questions.
Safety Course Requirements for Underage Riders
If a minor gets cited for a helmet violation on an e-bike, the “fix it” pathway now explicitly recognizes a specialized e-bike safety course (including the CHP program).
What E-Bike Businesses and Retailers Need to Know
Pre-Sale Compliance and Safety Certification Checks
Operationally, SB 1271 pushes retailers toward a standard intake checklist:
- Battery tested to an accepted standard (e.g., referenced in ANSI/CAN/UL 2849 / EN 15194).
- Proper permanent labeling present.
- Charger certification compatibility is documented.
Managing or Removing Non-Compliant Inventory
If it’s not testable, certifiable, and labelable, it’s not “a discount opportunity”—it’s a California compliance risk starting in 2026.
Proper E-Bike Classification and Labeling
California already expects manufacturers/distributors to permanently affix a label that includes the e-bike class. SB 1271 reinforces the state’s intent: accurate classification is not optional, especially when enforcement is focused on illegal speed/power behavior.
Battery Recycling and Disposal Responsibilities
This isn’t new, but it’s more important now: treat damaged or end-of-life lithium-ion batteries as hazardous waste, not trash. Build a simple process (return program, household hazardous waste drop-off guidance, or an industry battery recycling partner) so your team doesn’t “wing it” at the counter.
Common Misunderstandings About California E-Bike Laws
“I Can Modify My E-Bike as Long as I’m Careful”
Careful riding doesn’t change the vehicle’s legal classification. If the bike no longer meets the e-bike definition (power, speed capability, pedals), it’s not protected by e-bike rules.
“Speed Mods Are Legal If Enforcement Is Rare”
AB 1774 exists because the state wants the mod market itself to shrink—availability and intent matter, not just how often someone gets stopped.
“Older E-Bikes Are Automatically Exempt From New Laws”
Not automatically. AB 544’s visibility rule is about operation, and SB 1271’s certified-product rules are about sale/lease and labeling. “I bought it years ago” doesn’t guarantee “I’m exempt,” especially if you replace batteries/chargers later.
Conclusion
In short, the 2026 California e-bike laws are designed to improve visibility and safety while reducing illegal high-speed or high-power setups. Keep a rear red reflector or a red rear light with a built-in reflector on your e-bike at all times, buy certified batteries/components with proper labeling, and avoid any speed or power modifications that push your bike outside the Class 1–3 limits—doing so helps you stay compliant with California electric bike laws and ride more safely statewide.
FAQs
What’s the biggest change in California e-bike laws for 2026?
The most noticeable change is visibility: e-bikes must have a rear red reflector or a red rear light with a built-in reflector at all times, not just at night, under updated California e-bike rules.
Do California electric bike laws still use the Class 1–3 system in 2026?
Yes. The three-class framework remains the foundation of E-bike laws in California, with speed/assist limits tied to Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
Are there new battery safety requirements under California ebike regulations?
Yes. 2026 rules focus on battery and electrical safety, requiring products sold/leased to meet recognized safety testing and permanent labeling standards, affecting riders, retailers, and manufacturers.
Can I modify my e-bike’s speed or power and still be legal?
Risky. If you modify the bike so it exceeds legal limits (including the 750W continuous-rated power cap or class speed limits), it may no longer qualify as an e-bike under California e-bike laws.
Do local city or county rules matter if my e-bike is legal statewide?
Yes. Even if your bike meets statewide California electric bike laws, local agencies can set additional access rules (where you can ride, what classes are allowed on certain paths, etc.).
