# CA’s E-Bike Speed Modification Ban: Legal Limits & What Riders Must Know

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California’s new legislation—California Assembly Bill 1774— called **[CA’s E-Bike Speed Modification Ban](https://www.bikelegalfirm.com/california-e-bike-speed-modification-ban)** establishes a clear prohibition on modifying electric bicycles to exceed their legally defined speed or power thresholds. The update governs the sale of devices, kits, or controllers intended to increase an e-bike’s speed or alter its factory class.

Under the existing law for electric bikes, e-bikes are classified into three categories: Class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle or pedal-assist up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph with a speedometer).

AB 1774 clearly states that an e-bike which has been modified beyond these limits no longer qualifies as an e-bike and instead must comply with motor vehicle regulations—meaning registration, licensing, insurance, and other requirements. Retailers and distributors are also banned from selling any “speed-enhancing” devices meant to push e-bikes beyond legal speeds.

For **[bike riders](https://twitback.com/post/228992)**, this law means you must avoid aftermarket kits or software modifications that increase motor output, disable speed restrictions, or exceed the class definitions. If your e-bike is modified and no longer matches the legal label, you risk losing e-bike privileges and exemptions granted under California law. In short: a compliant e-bike is still welcome—but only when it stays within the legal confines.