Another OC City Eyes New Regulations on E-Bikes

## E-bike Categorization in OC – Why Does it Matter?

Currently, state regulations put e-bikes into three categories: class ones are pedal-powered and go up to 20 miles per hour, class twos can be ridden without pedaling but only go up to 20 miles per hour, and class threes are similar to class ones but can reach speeds of 28 miles per hour.

Anyone can ride a class one or two bike without restrictions, but only those 16 or older can ride a class three bike and must wear a helmet.

If a bike goes over 28 miles per hour or lacks pedals, it could actually be considered a moped or motorcycle, which requires a drivers license to operate under state law.

“We are seeing a surge of safety incidents on our sidewalks, parks, and streets. Bike riders and parents: If your or your teen’s electric two-wheeled vehicle goes too fast, it might be a motorcycle or a moped — not an e-bike,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a news release in April.

State assembly members are also currently considering legislation which would require speedometers to be built into class two e-bikes after 2029 and enforce a 10 mile-per-hour speed limit on sidewalks.

Last month, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced the creation of a new unit to specifically review charges involving illegal e-bikes and e-motorcycles.

The creation of the division comes following the increase of child endangerment and involuntary manslaughter charges against parents after allowing their children to operate illegal e-bikes.

According to the news release, injuries related to e-bikes and e-motorcycles have gone up 430% over the past four years and that children between 11 and 14 made up 61.7% of crashes involving an e-motorcycle.

Parents who allow their children to operate e-bikes illegally – over speed limits, without proper protective equipment or education on applicable laws – can face child endangerment charges, under California law.

“The death and devastation caused by e-Bikes and E-Motorcycles has reached epidemic levels, and we as elected officials must do everything we can to save lives,” Spitzer wrote in the news release.

“If parents refuse to hold their children accountable, then I am going to hold parents accountable when they knowingly break the law.”

### _Related_

## Michelle KingTracy A. Wood Fellow

Michelle King joined the Tracy A. Wood Fellowship at Voice of OC in January 2026. The fellowship was founded by the friends and family of Voice of OC’s legendary civic editor to honor Tracy Wood’s... More by Michelle King

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