California Vehicle Code 312.5 defines three e-bike classes and applies countywide in Orange County, governing helmet rules, age limits, motorized speed caps, and where each class may operate.
Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist up to 20 mph) and Class 2 (throttle up to 20 mph) may use most bike lanes and trails unless locally prohibited. Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph) is restricted to riders 16 and older, requires helmets at all ages, and is banned from Class I separated paths and many trails unless locally permitted. OC Parks regulates e-bikes on regional trails, with specific bans or speed limits in some natural areas to protect wildlife and pedestrians. Modifying e-bikes to exceed the speed cap converts them to unregistered motor vehicles and is illegal on public roads.
Riding a Class 3 on a prohibited Class I path or under-16 on Class 3 can trigger CVC fines. Speed-modified bikes are treated as unregistered motorbikes.
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