Electric bicycles have been gaining popularity in Los Angeles. The size and geography of the city make it an obvious place to lean into widespread e-bike adoption. The city's increasing bike lanes and the increasing push for sustainable transportation also make it a great place to ride e-bikes. This LA e-bike city guide covers the best trails, shops, rental options, and current e-bike regulations.
Los Angeles Best Electric Bike Trails
Los Angeles has plenty of great electric bike trails to explore. Here are some of the best:
The Ballona Creek Bike Path
This 7-mile path runs from Culver City to Marina del Rey and is perfect for electric bikes with its smooth, paved surface.
The San Gabriel River Trail
This 28-mile trail takes riders from the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and offers stunning views of the landscape.
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail
This 22-mile trail runs along the beaches of Santa Monica Bay and is a popular destination for e-bike riders.
The Los Angeles River Bikeway
This 7-mile bike path runs alongside the Los Angeles River and offers a unique urban experience for riders.
The Griffith Park Bike Loop
This 9-mile loop takes riders through the scenic Griffith Park and offers views of the city skyline.
The South Bay Bike Trail
This 22-mile trail runs along the coast of the South Bay and offers breathtaking views of the ocean.
Los Angeles Electric Bike Tours
Los Angeles Electric Bike Infrastructure
Los Angeles has a growing network of bike lanes and trails for cyclists. Los Angeles is working on expanding its infrastructure for electric bikes, however, it may still be considered limited compared to other cities as the infrastructure is still being developed.
Los Angeles Electric Bike Shops
As of my knowledge cutoff, here are some of the best electric bike shops in Los Angeles:
Electric Bikes LA
This shop specializes in electric bikes and offers a wide variety of models from top brands such as Rad Power Bikes, Easy Motion, and Haibike. They also offer rental e-bikes, repairs and maintenance services.
Propel Bikes
Located in Long Beach, Propel Bikes has a wide selection of brands and e-bike types. They also offer rentals and service.
Just Ride LA
Just Ride LA has a good selection of both e-bikes and e-scooters. They also have good in store sales, rental options, trade ins, financing for new bikes, and very competent repair service technicians.
Bike Attack Electric
An independent e-bike specialist shop in Santa Monica. They have top e-bike brands in stock and carry all types of e-bikes including mountain, road, cruiser, folding, and city e-bikes. Some of the most knowledgeable staff in the city.
Safety Cycle
Safety Cycle has competitive pricing on both e-bikes and e-scooters. A Los Angeles and Torrance location with excellent selection in both stores.
Renting an Electric Bike in Los Angeles
There are several places in Los Angeles where you can rent electric bikes. Some of the popular options include:
There are some popular independent options to rent an e-bike for the day or for a self guided city tour
Los Angeles is a sprawling city with so much to see and do, so a guided e-bike tour is one of the best and easiest ways to see the city in all of it's glory.
There are e-bike share options in LA, including Electric Metro Bikes which currently has stations in Downtown, Chinatown, and is continuing to expand.
There are several e-bike rental providers sprinkled throughout the city including Bike Shop LA, Sunryde, Bikes and Hikes LA, and many more.
Los Angeles E-Bike Rules and Regulations
- Safety Equipment: E-bikes are also required to have a working brake system and a bell or other audible signal. Helmets are required for all Class 3 e-bike riders and for Class 1 and 2 e-bike riders under the age of 18.
- Road Rules: Electric bikes have the same rules of the road as traditional bikes.
- Bike Specifications: According to California state law, e-bikes must have fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. E-bikes are either Class 1, 2, or 3. Class 1 is a pedal assist e-bike with a max speed of 20 mph. Class 2 is a throttle assist e-bike with a max speed of 20 mph. Class 3 is a pedal assist e-bike with 28 mph.
- Where to Ride: Electric bikes are generally allowed on bike paths and trails, subject to local ordinances.
- Age Restrictions: Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.
- Administrative Regulations: Electric Bikes do not have license, insurance, or registration requirements.
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