The moment your new electric tricycle—like the Liberty Trike 20", Electric Fat-Tad, or Electric Baja Trike—arrives, you might be eager to ride off into the sunset. But before you do, it’s crucial to understand the legal requirements for riding an electric trike in the USA. Laws governing e-trikes can be complex, as they involve a mix of federal and state regulations that vary by location. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials, including the latest 2025 California legislation impacting 750W e-trikes, to ensure you ride confidently and legally with ElectricTrike.com models.
Federal Regulations for Electric Trikes
At the federal level, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets the baseline for what qualifies as an electric bicycle, including e-trikes. To be classified as a bicycle (and thus exempt from motor vehicle regulations), an e-trike must meet these criteria:
- Operable Pedals: Must have fully functional pedals for manual propulsion.
- Motor Power: An electric motor with less than 750 watts (approximately 1 horsepower).
- Maximum Speed: A top speed of 20 mph when powered solely by the motor on flat ground.
All ElectricTrike.com models, such as the Liberty Trike 20" (starting at $1,698.00) and Electric Baja Trike (starting at $2,584.00), meet these standards with motors rated at 500W to 750W and throttle speeds capped at 20 mph. This classification means you generally don’t need a license, registration, or insurance at the federal level, and you can ride in bike lanes, on roads, and on certain trails where traditional bicycles are allowed. However, federal rules are just the starting point—state laws add another layer of requirements.
The Three-Class System for E-Trikes
Most states, including California, have adopted a three-class system to categorize electric bicycles and tricycles based on motor assistance and speed:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with motor support up to 20 mph. The motor only engages while pedaling (e.g., X3 AX Electric Trike with its 500-1000W motor adjusted to comply).
- Class 2: Throttle-equipped, with motor power up to 20 mph, whether pedaling or not. Most ElectricTrike.com models, like the Electric Fat-Tad and EZ Tri-Classic Electric Trike, fall into this category with throttle and pedal-assist options.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with motor support up to 28 mph. These are often restricted from certain trails due to higher speeds.
This system helps determine where you can ride and what safety rules apply, but state-specific variations mean you’ll need to check local laws for clarity.
Latest California Legislation on 750W E-Trikes (2025 Update)
As of January 1, 2025, California has introduced new legislation that significantly impacts e-trikes with 750W motors. Previously, the state allowed a 750W limit based on continuous power, with peak power often exceeding this (e.g., 900-1300W). The updated law removes the "continuous" distinction, meaning any e-trike capable of exceeding 750W—even momentarily—is no longer classified as an electric bicycle. This includes many 750W-rated e-trikes, like the Electric Baja Trike, which can hit 1000W peak power.
Under this new regulation:
- E-trikes exceeding 750W are now classified as motorized vehicles (e.g., mopeds or motorcycles).
- They require registration with the California DMV, a driver’s license (M1 or M2), and potentially insurance.
- These e-trikes are prohibited from bike lanes and multi-use trails unless explicitly permitted by local ordinances.
- They may be used on public roads if properly registered and equipped with required safety features (e.g., lights, mirrors).
For ElectricTrike.com customers in California, this means models like the Electric Fat-Tad (750-1000W) or X3 AX Electric Trike (with peak power exceeding 750W) may now fall outside the e-bike classification unless modified to limit power output to below 750W. If you’re in California, we recommend contacting support@electrictrike.com or calling 1-800-375-0224 to confirm your trike’s compliance or explore options like software adjustments to cap power output.
State-by-State Legal Requirements
While federal law provides a foundation, states can impose additional rules on age, helmets, licensing, and where you can ride. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations across various states, including California’s updated laws:
California
- Motor Power: Must be under 750W (as of 2025, strictly enforced—no peak power exceptions).
- Speed Limits: Class 1 and 2 capped at 20 mph; Class 3 at 28 mph.
- Age: Riders must be 16+ for Class 3 e-trikes.
- Helmets: Mandatory for riders under 18 and all Class 3 riders.
- Licensing/Registration: No license or registration for e-trikes under 750W; required for those exceeding 750W per the new law.
- Where to Ride: Class 1 and 2 e-trikes can use bike lanes and some trails; Class 3 e-trikes are restricted from trails unless adjacent to a roadway or locally permitted.
Florida
- Motor Power: Up to 750W.
- Speed Limits: 20 mph for Class 1 and 2; 28 mph for Class 3.
- Age: 16+ for Class 3 e-trikes.
- Helmets: Required for riders under 16; recommended for all.
- Licensing/Registration: Not required for e-trikes under 750W.
- Where to Ride: Allowed on streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks (unless locally restricted).
Texas
- Motor Power: Up to 750W.
- Speed Limits: 20 mph for Class 1 and 2; 28 mph for Class 3.
- Age: 15+ for Class 3 e-trikes.
- Helmets: Mandatory for riders under 18.
- Licensing/Registration: Not required for e-trikes under 750W.
- Where to Ride: Permitted on bike lanes, paths, and trails unless locally restricted.
Illinois
- Motor Power: Up to 750W.
- Speed Limits: 20 mph for all classes.
- Age: 16+ for Class 3 e-trikes; Class 1 and 2 for all ages.
- Helmets: Not required but recommended.
- Licensing/Registration: Not required for e-trikes under 750W.
- Where to Ride: Allowed on streets, bike lanes, and paths; sidewalks are off-limits.
Colorado
- Motor Power: Up to 750W.
- Speed Limits: 20 mph for Class 1 and 2; 28 mph for Class 3.
- Age: 16+ for Class 3 e-trikes.
- Helmets: Required for riders under 18 on Class 3 e-trikes.
- Licensing/Registration: Not required for e-trikes under 750W.
- Where to Ride: Class 1 and 2 on bike paths; Class 3 restricted to streets and highways.
Georgia
- Motor Power: Up to 750W.
- Speed Limits: 20 mph for Class 1 and 2; 28 mph for Class 3.
- Age: 15+ for Class 3 e-trikes.
- Helmets: Mandatory for Class 3 riders.
- Licensing/Registration: Not required for e-trikes under 750W.
- Where to Ride: Allowed on trails with speed restrictions; check local rules.
Pennsylvania
- Motor Power: Up to 750W.
- Speed Limits: 20 mph for Class 1 and 2; 28 mph for Class 3.
- Age: 16+ for all e-trikes.
- Helmets: Not required for adults.
- Licensing/Registration: Not required for e-trikes under 750W; must weigh under 100 lbs.
- Where to Ride: Permitted on DCNR trails and roads unless marked prohibited.
Arizona
- Motor Power: Up to 750W.
- Speed Limits: 20 mph for Class 1 and 2; 28 mph for Class 3.
- Age: No specific restrictions.
- Helmets: Not required but recommended.
- Licensing/Registration: Not required for e-trikes under 750W.
- Where to Ride: Class 1 and 2 on bike paths; Class 3 on roadways and adjacent paths.
New York
- Motor Power: Up to 750W.
- Speed Limits: 20 mph for Class 1 and 2; 28 mph for Class 3.
- Age: 16+ for Class 3 e-trikes.
- Helmets: Required for ages 16-17 and all Class 3 riders.
- Licensing/Registration: Not required for e-trikes under 750W.
- Where to Ride: Sidewalks off-limits unless locally allowed; some streets capped at 30 mph.
Equipment Requirements for Safe Riding
Across most states, e-trikes must be equipped with:
- Brakes: Functional brakes, like the dual disc brakes on the Electric Fat-Tad.
- Lights/Reflectors: Front and rear lights or reflectors for night riding (e.g., Electric Baja Trike’s LED headlight).
- Audible Warning: A bell or horn to alert others, standard on all ElectricTrike.com models.
For e-trikes exceeding 750W in California (per the new law), additional equipment like mirrors and turn signals may be required if registered as a motorized vehicle.
Choosing the Right ElectricTrike.com Model
ElectricTrike.com offers a range of e-trikes that align with legal requirements:
- Liberty Trike 20": At $1,698.00, a lightweight Class 2 e-trike with a 500W motor, perfect for urban rides.
- Electric Fat-Tad: At $3,866.00, a stable tadpole design with a 750-1000W motor (check California compliance).
- Electric Baja Trike: At $2,584.00, ideal for off-road with a 500W/1000W peak motor (verify power settings for California).
Final Thoughts
Riding an electric trike from ElectricTrike.com is a fantastic way to enjoy mobility and freedom, but staying legal is key. Federally, e-trikes under 750W and 20 mph are treated as bicycles, but state laws—like California’s 2025 update classifying 750W+ e-trikes as motorized vehicles—add complexity. Always check your local regulations for age, helmet, and riding area rules. Need help ensuring your trike complies? Contact us at 1-800-375-0224 or support@electrictrike.com—we’re here to help you ride legally and safely!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations may change, so consult official sources or legal professionals for the most current information.
