If you ride an e-bike in California, two new laws that took effect January 1, 2026 affect you. Here's the plain-English breakdown — no legal jargon, just what you actually need to know.
The Two Laws: SB 1271 and AB 1774
SB 1271: Battery & Device Safety Certification
What it does: Requires that e-bikes and their lithium-ion batteries sold in California after January 1, 2026 be tested and certified by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards.
Why it exists: Lithium-ion battery fires have been making headlines — especially in New York City, where poorly made batteries in cheap e-bikes and scooters have caused fatal apartment fires. California is getting ahead of the problem.
What it means for you:
- If you already own an e-bike: Your bike isn't suddenly illegal. This law targets new sales, not existing owners. However, if you need a replacement battery, the new one should be certified.
- If you're buying a new e-bike: Make sure the battery and bike carry safety certification marks (look for UL 2849 certification on the battery/charger).
- If you bought a budget e-bike online: Your battery may or may not be certified. It's worth checking.
AB 1774: Speed Modification Crackdown
What it does: Makes it illegal to sell, install, or use devices or software designed to override e-bike speed or power limits.
Why it exists: Some riders have been "de-restricting" their e-bikes to go faster than the legal classification allows. A Class 1 e-bike that's been modded to hit 35 mph is no longer a Class 1 — it's an unregistered motor vehicle.
What it means for you:
- If your e-bike is stock (unmodified): You're fine. Nothing to worry about.
- If you've installed a speed hack, dongle, or aftermarket controller: Your bike may not be street-legal. Consider having the modification reversed.
- If you're not sure: A quick inspection can tell you if anything's been changed from factory settings.
The New Daytime Reflector Rule
This one flies under the radar but it's important: California now requires a rear red light or reflector on all e-bikes at ALL times — not just after dark. If you've been riding during the day without a rear reflector or light, you're technically not in compliance.
This is an easy fix: a $10 rear reflector or a rechargeable tail light. But you need to know about it.
E-Bike Classification Refresher
California classifies e-bikes into three classes:
| Class | Top Assisted Speed | Throttle? | Where You Can Ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 20 mph | No (pedal-assist only) | Bike lanes, paths, roads |
| Class 2 | 20 mph | Yes | Bike lanes, paths, roads |
| Class 3 | 28 mph | Yes (some) | Bike lanes, roads (NOT most multi-use paths) |
What Should You Do?
Here's our honest advice:
- Check your rear reflector/light. If you don't have one, add one. This is the lowest-hanging fruit.
- Look at your battery. Is there a UL certification mark? If you're not sure, bring it in and we'll check.
- Be honest about modifications. If your bike has been speed-hacked, now's the time to reverse it. It's not worth the risk.
- Know your classification. If you don't know what class your e-bike is, find out. It determines where you can legally ride.
- When in doubt, get a compliance check. That's literally why we built this service.
RIDE Cyclery's E-Bike Compliance Check
We now offer a dedicated California E-Bike Compliance Check for $49. In 15–30 minutes, we'll verify:
- E-bike classification (Class 1, 2, or 3)
- Speed and power settings
- Battery certification status
- Required safety equipment (lights, reflectors)
- General bike safety
You'll get a written report showing your bike's compliance status and recommendations for any fixes needed. Walk-ins welcome, no appointment necessary.
RIDE Cyclery
449 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 (rear entrance)
(760) 632-1500 | ridecyclery.com/pages/e-bike-compliance-check
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes. We're bike mechanics, not lawyers. For specific legal questions about e-bike regulations, consult the California DMV or a legal professional.