New California law makes crystal clear which electric bikes are now ‘illegal’
California has led the nation in electric bicycle adoption, helping more people than ever before switch away from cars and toward smaller and more efficient transportation alternatives. However, the proliferation of electric bicycles has also led to a major uptick in higher-power models that have flaunted established e-bike laws, often being used on public roads and bike paths to the chagrin of many local residents.
A new law that came into effect this week has now further clarified which electric bicycles are street-legal and which fall afoul of regulations.
The legislation is meant to address the growing number of high-powered electric bikes, many of which use traditional electric bicycle components but are capable of achieving speeds and power levels that give them performance closer to mopeds and light motorcycles.
This phenomenon has led to a heavily charged debate around the colloquial term “e-bike” and the regulatory term “electric bicycle”. The main question has become whether increasing the power and speed of such bikes pushes them outside the realm of bicycles and into the class of mopeds and motorcycles. That distinction is important since the legal classification of “electric bicycle” provides for such bikes to be used in the widest possible areas, including on public roads and in bike paths, as well as negates the need to tag, title, or insure electric bicycles.
SB No. 1271 was signed into law last year and came into effect on January 1, 2015. The bill covered several new e-bike regulations, including fire safety regulations and requirements for third-party safety certifications that will come into effect over the next few years, as well as a further tightening of the three-class e-bike system to limit which electric bicycles can include hand throttles.
However, near the end of the new legislation is a three-line section that clearly outlines which vehicles are not considered to be “electric bicycles” under California law.
The following vehicles are not electric bicycles under this code and shall not be advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as electric bicycles:
(1) A vehicle with two or three wheels powered by an electric motor that is intended by the manufacturer to be modifiable to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to attain more than 750 watts of power.
(2) A vehicle that is modified to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to have motor power of more than 750 watts.
(3) A vehicle that is modified to have its operable pedals removed.
The three points are used to exclude vehicles from the legal definition of an electric bicycle in California. This wouldn’t necessarily make these vehicles “illegal” per se, as they could still be sold, purchased, and ridden in California, simply not as “electric bicycles”. However, they could be illegal to use on public roads or in bike paths, where prohibited or not properly registered.
This not only impacts how such vehicles could be marketed, but also where and how they could be ridden. Powerful e-bikes that now fall outside the regulatory term “electric bicycles” could still be used off-road on private property or where allowed, and could potentially be ridden on public roads if properly registered as mopeds or motorcycles, though that would also require the e-bikes to meet the regulations for such vehicle classes.
Provision 1: E-bikes designed to be unlocked for higher power or throttle speeds
The first provision covered in the new law copied above applies to e-bikes designed by the manufacturer to be user-modifiable to go faster than 20 mph (32 km/h) on motor power alone (i.e. by use of a hand throttle that requires no pedaling input), or to provide more than 750 watts of power. To be clear: This does not make e-bikes that travel over 20 mph illegal (they can still travel up to 28 mph on pedal assist) but rather targets those that can achieve such speeds on throttle alone.
Most electric bicycles in the US, even those capable of traveling at speeds over 20 mph, ship in what is known as Class 2 mode, which includes having a software-limited top speed of 20 mph on throttle and/or pedal assist. However, it is common for many electric bicycles to be easily “unlocked” by the user, which often requires just a few seconds of changing settings in the bike’s digital display. This unlocking often allows riders to travel faster on pedal assist, usually up to 28 mph (45 km/h), and on some occasions unlocks that faster speed on throttle-only riding too.
Most of the mainstream electric bicycle brands in the US still limit throttle-only speeds to 20 mph, even when the e-bike is “unlocked” by the user, meaning they would not fall afoul of the new law based on higher speed pedal assist functionality. However, several brands do allow higher speed throttle riding above 20 mph, and these e-bikes would no longer be classified as electric bicycles in California, even when in their locked state with a 20 mph speed limiter. As the law is written, those e-bikes can not be considered electric bicycles in California because they are designed to be unlockable to higher speeds than 20 mph on throttle-only.
Additionally, any e-bike that can be unlocked to offer higher than 750W (one horsepower) will now also fall outside the confines of electric bicycles in California. This regulation, based on power instead of speed, is in effect a much wider net that will likely catch many – if not most- of the electric bicycles currently on the road. There has long been a 750W limit for e-bikes in the US, but this has traditionally been treated as a continuous power limit. The peak power of such e-bikes is usually higher, often landing in the 900-1,300W range. The new California law removes the word “continuous” from the regulation, meaning motors that are capable of briefly exceeding the 750W motor (i.e. most 750W motors), will now fall outside of electric bicycle regulations.
Provision 2: E-bikes modified for higher power or throttle speeds
While the first provision above ruled that any e-bikes intended to be unlocked for throttle-enabled speeds of over 20 mph or to provide more than 750W of power are no longer classified as electric bicycles, the second provision covers e-bikes that are modified to those parameters even without being intended for such modification.
This is a much smaller category of e-bikes and is usually indicative of custom or DIY builds. Most e-bikes capable of operating at performance levels now ruled outside of electric bicycle classification have simply been reprogrammed using the manufacturer’s own modifiable settings menu on the e-bike. But some riders use other methods to increase their e-bike’s power, such as by swapping out motors or controllers with faster and more powerful alternatives.
The second provision in the law targets these types of e-bikes, which weren’t intended to have been modified for higher speeds and power levels, but have been customized to do so anyway.
Provision 3: No pedals, no bicycle
The third provision simply clarifies the pedal rule: In order to be considered an electric bicycle, an e-bike must have functional pedals.
That doesn’t mean that if an e-bike has pedals that it is automatically considered to be an electric bicycle, but only that a lack of such pedals nullifies its status as an electric bicycle under the new regulations.
This has long been the case, but is simply further clarified in the new legislation to cover e-bikes that once had functional pedals that have since been removed.
The new legislation’s definitions of electric bicycles don’t mark a major shift for California, which has long used the three-class e-bike system. However, it does signify a clamping down on e-bikes that flaunt those regulations by more clearly codifying their out-of-class status and removing their ability to pass as electric bicycles, legally speaking.
Riders of Sur Ron-style e-bikes, including Talarias and other models that function more like light dirt bikes, have long known that their bikes were not legally classified as electric bicycles. But now, many of the more traditional-looking electric bikes, including from some fairly well-known manufacturers, are likely to find themselves on the wrong side of the law. This will be especially true in cases where the e-bikes are otherwise designed to appear and function like typical electric bicycles, yet are capable of reaching 28 mph speeds on throttle only.
What do you think of the new regulations for e-bikes in California? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
tlv
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Tesla has launched a new version of the Model Y in China, and it’s achieving an impressive new range rating – thanks to a new battery cell from South Korea’s LG.
The new variant, a five-seat, rear-wheel drive long-range model, has been released with an 821-km range based on China’s CLTC standard.
While the CLTC rating is known to be optimistic, 821 km (about 510 miles) is an impressive number and the longest range Tesla has offered in its Model Y lineup to date, which is going to help it be more competitive in the Chinese market.
This new extended range Model Y version is made possible by using the 78.4-kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack from LG Energy Solution, the same pack found in the also recently launched 830-km range Model 3 variant.
The new long-range RWD Model Y starts at RMB 288,500, which translates to just over $40,500 USD.
The launch comes at a critical time for Tesla in China, which has seen its sales slump in recent months. The automaker recorded its lowest monthly sales in October since November 2022, falling out of the top 10 list for new energy vehicle (NEV) sales.
That’s despite a continued surge in electric vehicle sales in China. Tesla is not benefiting from it amid strong competition.
According to local Chinese media reports, the new 821-km Model Y is already gaining traction with some anecdotal reports of enthusiasm at Tesla stores.
The reports are partly supported by Tesla quickly extending delivery timelines from 2-4 weeks to 4-6 weeks just hours after launch.
Electrek’s Take
I think this is going to be suitable for a decent short-term bump in demand, but it’s still on the expensive side for the Chinese market.
For example, now the Model Y beats the Xpeng G6’s max range of 755 km, but the G6 with this range costs 234,900 RMB (approximately $32,900 USD), which is significantly cheaper.
Every 10,000 RMB tranche lower means a lot more demand in China.
Tesla needs to launch its new “standard” versions to start making a difference with demand long term in China.
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Environment
The Cadillac Lyriq just got a lot more affordable after lease prices drop by $115 a month
Cadillac’s luxury electric SUV is suddenly pretty affordable. The Cadillac Lyriq saw the biggest price drops this fall, with lease prices down $115 a month since October.
Cadillac Lyriq lease prices drop in November
It’s been three and a half years since the first Lyriq models for customers rolled off the production line at GM’s Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant, kicking off a new era for Cadillac as its first all-electric vehicle.
Through the first three quarters of 2025, it was the second-best-selling luxury EV and has helped put Cadillac on pace for its best sales year since 2013.
To keep the momentum going, Cadillac is offering 2025 Lyriq leases starting at $419 per month this November. The deal is for a 24-month lease, with $4,799 due at signing, for an effective monthly cost of $619.
According to online auto research firm CarsDirect, that’s a $115 price drop from last month, among the largest of any vehicle in the US.
The deal includes a $2,000 competitive cash allowance for Tesla, Rivian, Polestar, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and other competitive brand owners and lessees.
The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq 1 AWD offers an EPA-estimated 319 miles of range and boasts a massive curved 33″ digital infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Cadillac now offers a complete lineup of electric SUVs, including the entry-level Optiq, midsize Lyriq, and larger Vistiq and Escalade IQ.
Outside of the Escalade IQ, Cadillac is offering the $2,000 competitive cash allowance across its entire EV lineup. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the 2026 Cadillac Optiq is available to lease for as low as $319 per month. To take advantage of the deals, you must take delivery by January 2, 2026.
Ready to test drive one to experience it for yourself? You can use our links below to see available Cadillac electric SUVs in your area.
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Environment
EcoFlow DELTA 3 1000 Air power station and bundles launch with up to $640 savings, Autel’s new solar outdoor cameras, Lectric, more
Today’s Green Deals are jam-packed with new releases – either getting first-time savings or seeing new low prices – and more. Our headliner today is EcoFlow’s newly launched DELTA 3 1000 Air Portable Power Station and bundles with up to $640 in early-bird savings starting from $299. We also have the first savings hitting Autel’s new two and four-camera Outdoor Wireless Solar Security kits that boast some unique features and start from $249, as well as EcoFlow’s latest 10,000mAh to 27,650mAh RAPID power banks at new lows starting from $66, ALLPOWERS’ new Volix P300 Portable Power Station and bundles, Lectric’s Black Friday Battery Sale, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Segway early Black Friday Sale lineup, the $1,082 exclusive savings on nine refurbished Anker SOLIX units, and more.
Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.
EcoFlow launches DELTA 3 1000 Air power station and bundles with up to $640 early-bird savings starting from $299
Running alongside its early Black Friday Sale, as well as the RAPID power bank promotions, EcoFlow has launched its new DELTA 3 1000 Air Portable Power Station starting at $299 shipped that gets a FREE 65W charger, as well as bundles at up to $640 off (and listed below). This all-new unit will carry a $499 full price outside of these initial launch savings, with it not yet available on other marketplaces like Amazon. The deal here is a 40% markdown that cuts $200 in first-time savings from the going rate, setting the bar for future discounts in later months. Head below to get the rundown on this new backup power solution, as well as its discounted bundle options.
Joining EcoFlow’s compact, yet powerful backup power solutions, the new DELTA 3 1000 Air station brings along a 960Wh battery capacity that the brand claims to “power 99% of home-essential appliances” with its 500W power output that can surge as high as 1,000W, thanks to the included X-Boost tech. It sports AC, USB-C, and USB-A ports to cover connection needs, and even boasts three front light indicator lights to show the status of your grid when it’s plugged in, with it immediately switching to its own power supply upon detecting instability, making it quite the unique switchover support at home.
There are four main ways to power/recharge the EcoFlow DELTA 3 1000 Air station, starting with a standard AC outlet that can have it back to full in two hours. There’s also a maximum 500W solar input to utilize with appropriate panels, as well as a gas generator connection option, and the usual on-the-go recharging from your car’s auxiliary port.
EcoFlow’s DELTA 3 1000 Air power station launch deals:
As I previously mentioned, EcoFlow also provided a bonus 5% savings with Black Friday pricing on its new lineup of RAPID 10,000mAh to 27,650mAh power banks at new lows starting from $66. Of course, for larger backup power support, you can browse the brand’s full early Black Friday Sale here, with up to 65% initial discounts, bonus savings, free gifts, and more starting from $75.
Autel’s new outdoor cams pack a punch with solar design, local storage, and HDMI with kits from $249 (Up to $200 off)
Through its official Amazon storefront, Autel is now offering the first cash savings on its new 2-cam Outdoor Wireless Solar Security Camera kit starting from $249 shipped, after clipping the on-page $50 off coupon, as well as its 4-cam Outdoor Wireless Solar Security Camera kit at $299 shipped, after clipping the on-page $200 off coupon. These new solar-powered surveillance devices have been on the market since late August carrying $299 and $499 full prices, with the on-page coupons providing the first discounts we’ve spotted. You’re looking at either a $50 or $200 markdown on these packages while things last, providing the first price cuts that set the bar for future discounts.
If you want to learn more about this new solar security system, be sure to check out our original coverage of these first-time deals here.
Cash in during Lectric’s Black Friday battery sale with up to 25% off new and legacy models starting from $270
As part of its ongoing early Black Friday Sale, Lectric has now launched a Black Friday battery sale with up to 25% savings across a large collection of spare batteries that you can use to double your range and prolong travel times, with prices starting at $270 shipped and ranging up to $595 shipped. Usually for discounts on extra batteries, you’d have to be lucky to catch some of the rare instances of free inclusions, with occasional models getting up to 30% discounts alongside e-bike purchases, but again, these are rare occurrences. While this side sale continues you’ll be able to grab one for any XP4, XPeak, XPedition, XPress, XP Lite, ONE, and older XP 3.0 e-bikes you already own with up to $211 in savings at some of their best prices.
If you want to browse the full lineup of 16 battery deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of this Black Friday Sale here.
EcoFlow’s newest 10,000mAh to 27,650mAh RAPID power banks with up to 53% Black Friday savings at new lows from $66
EcoFlow is offering an additional 5% savings along with its Black Friday Sale pricing on its new RAPID series of power banks using the promo code EF3CAFF5 at checkout, giving you up to 53% savings on these power solutions. Things start with the RAPID Pro 67W 10,000mAh Power Bank at $66.49 shipped, after using the code EF3CAFF5 at checkout, beating out its Amazon pricing by $3. Normally fetching $90 at full price since hitting the market in August, we’ve seen discounts only go as low as $69 up until now, with this combined 26% markdown dropping things to a new all-time low.
If you want to get the rundown on this new series or browse the full lineup of offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.
Save up to 34% on ALLPOWERS’ new Volix P300 256Wh power station and bundles starting from $132
ALLPOWERS is launching its latest Volix P300 Portable Power Station direct from its website at $149 shipped, however, it’s been available since the last days of October over at the brand’s official Amazon storefront, which is beating out this direct launch deal at $132.30 shipped, after clipping the on-page 30% off coupon. There are some bundle options to score it with solar panels, with those being available only from the direct website (and listed below). This new power solution carries a $249 MSRP direct from ALLPOWERS, but we’ve been seeing it start lower at $189 over at Amazon. The deal here provides you with a $57 markdown off the going rate (and $117 off the MSRP) for the best price we can find anywhere.
If you want to learn more about this new power station, as well as browse the bundle offers, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.
Best Fall EV deals!
- Velotric Nomad 2X e-bike (camo) with DELTA 3 Plus station: $3,048 (Reg. $3,298)
- Velotric Nomad 2X e-bike (sage or fig) with DELTA 3 Plus station: $2,948 (Reg. $3,298)
- Heybike Hero 750W Mid-Drive Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bike: $2,299 (Reg. $3,099)
- Rad Power Radster Road Commuter e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
- Rad Power Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike: $1,999 (Reg. $2,199)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 35Ah Cargo e-bike w/ $893 bundle: $1,999 (Reg. $2,761)
- Heybike Hero 1,000W Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bike: $1,899 (Reg. $2,599)
- Tenways Wayfarer e-bike with $277 bundle (launch deal): $1,899 (Reg. $2,199)
- Velotric Fold 1 Plus e-bike (gray or white) with DELTA 2 station: $1,898 (Reg. $2,198)
- Velotric Fold 1 Plus e-bike (mango or blue) with DELTA 2 station: $1,828 (Reg. $2,198)
- Aventon Aventure 3 Smart All-Terrain e-bike (first discount): $1,799 (Reg. $1,999)
- Aventon Aventure 3 Smart Step-Through All-Terrain e-bike (first discount): $1,799 (Reg. $1,999)
- Lectric XP Trike2 750 Long-Range eTrike with $558 bundle: $1,799 (Reg. $2,357)
- Rad Power RadExpand 5 Plus Folding e-bike (lowest price): $1,699 (Reg. $1,899)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 26Ah Cargo e-bike w/ $744 bundle: $1,799 (Reg. $2,543)
- Aventon Level 3 Step-Over Smart Commuter e-bike (first discount): $1,699 (Reg. $1,899)
- Aventon Level 3 Step-Through Smart Commuter e-bike (first discount): $1,699 (Reg. $1,899)
- Lectric XPeak 2.0 Long-Range Off-Road e-bike with $583 bundle: $1,699 (Reg. $2,282)
- Rad Power RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike with extra battery: $1,599 (Reg. $1,799)
- Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike: $1,599 (Reg. $1,999)
- Ride1Up VORSA Modular Multi-Use e-bike: $1,595 (Reg. $1,695)
- Rad Power RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike with extra battery: $1,499 (No pirce cut)
- Lectric XPeak 2.0 Standard Off-Road e-bike with $434 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,933)
- Lectric XP Trike2 with $257 bundle: $1,499 (Reg. $1,756)
- Rad Power RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,799)
- Aventon Aventure 2 All-Terrain e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,999)
- Lectric XPedition 2.0 13Ah Cargo e-bike with $346 bundle: $1,399 (Reg. $1,745)
- Aventon Level 2 Commuter e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
- Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus Step-Thru Fat Tire e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,599)
- Heybike ALPHA All-Terrain e-bike: $1,499 (Reg. $1,699)
- Hiboy TITAN Pro Electric Scooter (new model, code HSTP10): $1,350 (Reg. $2,000)
- Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with $439 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,703)
- Lectric XP4 750 LR Folding Utility e-bikes with up to $514 bundle: $1,299 (Reg. $1,813)
- Heybike Hauler Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike (new low): $1,299 (Reg. $1,899)
- Heybike Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike with extra battery: $1,199 (Reg. $1,848)
- Lectric XP Lite 2.0 JW Black LR e-bike with $449 bundle: $1,099 (Reg. $1,548)
- Hiboy TITAN Electric Scooter (new model, code HST9): $1,001 (Reg. $1,700)
- Lectric XP4 Standard Folding Utility e-bikes with $326 bundle: $999 (Reg. $1,325)
- Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with $449 bundles: $999 (Reg. $1,448)
- Heybike Hauler Single-Battery Cargo e-bike (new low): $899 (Reg. $1,413)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
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