It’s the start of 2026, and Paceline Law is wishing you a very happy New Year. California e-bike laws 2026 bring major changes to battery safety, labeling requirements, and how electric bikes are regulated statewide.
Surprise, surprise, electric bicycles continue to be a hot topic! Here’s what you need to know about new and pending e-bike laws for 2026, as well as some noteworthy city-planning efforts addressing e-bike safety.
Read about e-bike regulations that took place in 2025 here.
⭐ California E-Bike Laws 2026: Battery & Safety Certification (SB 1271)
Effective as of January 1, 2026
KEY CHANGE: All electric bike lithium-ion batteries and electrical systems sold in California must be tested and certified by an accredited lab.
These rules apply to:
- New e-bikes
- Replacement batteries
- Chargers and electrical systems
The law requires:
- Certification (UL-style)
- Labeling with testing lab name/logo
- Vendors cannot sell untested/unlabeled systems
Impact:
- Eliminates many unsafe imports by brands that cannot be subject to the US legal system
- Improves fire safety
- Clarifies what legally counts as an e-bike
🧭 California E-Bike Laws 2026: New Labeling & Classification Rules
New Labeling, Classification & Notification Rules EXPECTED To Pass Mid-Year
Proposal SB 455 is still in the legislative cycle but widely expected to pass and go into effect in July 2026 due to broad support.
If enacted, all e-bikes must have permanently affixed engraving or labels showing:
- Class (1, 2, or 3)
- Motor wattage
- Top assisted speed
- Manufacturer / brand
Devices exceeding California limits (e.g., >750 W, motor assist over 28 mph) will no longer be classified as e-bikes. As a result retailers/manufacturers must notify customers who bought bikes within the past 5 years if their device no longer qualifies as an e-bike.
Impact:
- Clarifies the “wild west” of e-bike marketing
- Converts many high-speed youth-ridden e-mopeds into regulated mopeds
- Gives cities power to regulate these devices differently (insurance, licensing, registration)
⭐ City-Level Activities In Contra Costa County
While not technically law, several Contra Costa County cities have focused city-planning efforts around e-bike safety.
Notable city-level activities:
- Walnut Creek – as of late 2025, the city is developing an “E-Bike Safety Action Plan.” Importantly, council has already approved a work-plan that includes education, enforcement, and infrastructure expansion; staff note that they will monitor new statewide laws (like the 2026 battery/e-bike rules) and may propose local ordinance updates.
- Danville — recently (2025) launched a public-education campaign “Not My Kid” focused on youth e-bike safety, in response to growing concerns about unsafe teen riding and will likely grow in 2026. The campaign includes school outreach, community events, and coordination with local police.
Does A Personal Injury Bike Attorney Cover E-bike Cases?
Have you found yourself asking, “do you, Kyle, cover e-bike cases,” the answer is YES. If you have been injured in an e-bike accident and/or by a defectively designed or built e-bike, reach out for a free consultation.
If You’re Injured While Cycling, Contact Paceline Law
In a paceline, cyclists reduce wind drag by up to 50% by riding together. Working with an attorney should feel the same — less resistance, more progress.
If you’ve been injured on the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge or anywhere in the Bay Area, I’m here to advocate for you as A Lawyer for Bike People. Let’s move forward together.