New ebike laws in California taking effect January 1, 2026

[Bicyclista]

Certification of new batteries, 750-watt absolute power limit (even for peak moments), blinking rear red light, helmets for certain ages, and other requirements.

 

[RunForTheHills]

I really dislike flashing red lights on bicycles or pedestrians (runners wear these sometimes). I think it is harder for motorists to tell how far away a flashing light is and they are way more distracting to drivers than solid red lights and can cause impaired drivers to steer towards the cyclist. However, the law says red reflector or flashing red light. Most of the new laws will be enforced through the manufacturers and not directly on the street or bike trail. I know there has already been a lot of debate about them.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I really dislike flashing red lights on bicycles or pedestrians (runners where these sometimes).

It is even forbidden in the paranoiac safe Germany...

 

[Chargeride]

flashing lights are illegal in the uk, completely ignored by everyone of course

 

[mrgold35]

I can understand using blinking rear red lights or blinking headlights for daytime use. My brain associates a blinking light to emergency vehicles, begin to up your awareness and take caution like in a construction zone, and be aware of possible danger ahead. We see solid red and white light a thousand times during the day and night we subconsciously ignore 99% of them. We do notice something like a blinking vehicle turn signal and that ups our attention to be prepare ourselves to take possible action (change lanes, slow down, stop, or do nothing and be A-OK).

I ride with a blinking rear red light day or night when sharing the road with vehicles. I use a blinking headlight if sharing the road with vehicles during the day (solid light at night). Blinking white light does come in handy when single track riding in heavy woods.

 

[Chargeride]

The issue for me is completely unregulated bicycle lights flashing retina burning ultra blue led light at night, Im close to wearing sunglasses while driving at night thesedays

 

[MrHyak]

California loves to regulate its population. They can't stop themselves....