Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)

Image of an e-bike

What is an E-Bike (Electric Bicycle)?

Per the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), an E-Bike is an electric bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. 

Using an E-Bike requires adherence to both a local ordinance, which would be the City of Torrance Municipal Code if riding within our City, and to State of California law.  Additionally, the laws applicable to E-Bike riding are determined by various factors such as type of E-Bike and rider age. 

Before riding an E-Bike within the City of Torrance, please be aware of both local and state laws.

E-Bike Classifications

E-Bike Classifications 

The law defines three Classes (1, 2 and 3) of E-Bikes and each has specific legal requirements. Refer to the chart below.

Resource: State of California DMV

  Vehicle
    User      
Class Pedal
Operated
Throttle
 Max
Speed		 Max
Power		 Min
Age 		 Driver's
License		 License
Plate		 Helment
Req'd 
Class 1 Yes No 20 mph <750 watts N/A No No
 17 & under
Class 2 No Yes 20 mph <750 watts  N/A No   No
 17 & under
Class 3 Yes No 28 mph <750 watts
 16 yrs No
 No
 Yes

Class 1 E-Bike

  • Low-speed, pedal-assisted, equipped with a motor providing assistance only when the rider is pedaling
  • Motor stops assisting at 20 mph.

Class 2 E-Bike

  • Low-speed, throttle-assisted, equipped with a motor to propel bicycle even when rider is not pedaling.
  • Motor is NOT capable of providing assistance when 20 mph is reached.

Class 3 E-Bike

  • Low-speed, pedal-assisted, equipped with a motor and speedometer that provides assistance only when pedaling
  • Motor stops assisting at 28 mph.
  • Must be 16 years old or older and wear a bicycle safety helmet.

 

 

City of Torrance Municipal Code: Bicycles

When using an E-Bike in the City of Torrance, riders are subject to the laws in the Torrance Municipal Code Division 6 Traffic Chapter 2 Bicycles. Below is a partial list of laws in the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC). 

  • TMC 62.1.3 RIDING IN A GROUP.
    Persons operating bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
  • TMC 62.1.4 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS.
    a) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within any business district or upon the sidewalk adjacent to any public school building, church, recreation center or playground.
    b) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian, and when overtaking or passing a pedestrian, after giving an audible signal, shall at all times, pass to the left of such pedestrian.
  • TMC 62.1.5 BICYCLE PATHS.
    Whenever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.
  • TMC 62.1.7 DISMOUNT IN CROSSWALK.
    Every bicycle operator using a crosswalk to cross an intersection shall dismount to cross.
  • TMC 62.1.8 PARKING.
    (Amended by O-3849)
    a) No person shall park a bicycle upon a public street or roadway.
    b) It is permissible to park upon a sidewalk in a rack to support the bicycle or against a building or upon a sidewalk in such a manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.
    c) No person shall leave a bicycle standing, unattended or otherwise parked upon the driveways, paths, or grounds of the Civic Center of the City of Torrance. Bicycles may only be parked in designated bicycle rack areas.
    d) Any person who violates subsection (a), subsection (b), or subsection (c) of this section, will be guilty of an infraction.

State of California Rules of the Road

E-Bike riders are legally required to follow traffic laws in accordance with California Vehicle Code (CVC) 21200-21213.    

The California Vehicle Code sections can be found at Division 11 Chapter 1 Article 4 Operation of Bicycles.

Safety Recommendations

Bike riding crashes may be prevented when you ride responsibly and adhere to the following recommendations to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, or death. For further details on practicing bicycle safety, please refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website on bicycle safety: NHTSA Bicycle Safety

  • Be situationally aware of your surroundings.
  • Stop and look both ways before entering the roadway.
  • Before crossing the street,  wait for motorist(s) to make a complete stop.
  • Make sure both feet can touch the ground when sitting on the seat. 
  • Make sure the brakes are working properly and tires are inflated. 
  • Do not wear headphones—listen for vehicles on the road. Stay alert and focused. 
  • Get off the bike at crosswalks and walk across the street. 
  • Check driveways before crossing in front of them.  
  • Wear reflective clothing/gear or bright clothes and reflectors on the bike to make yourself more visible to others. 
  • Unless signaling a turn, have both hands on the handlebars. 
  • Tuck and tie shoe laces and pant legs to prevent them getting caught in the bike chain.
  • Plan your route by choosing options with less vehicle traffic. 
  • Wear a helmet when operating a bike. Read this helpful PDF from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Learn how to properly fit a helmet
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