California's mild climate and long coastline make it one of the most rewarding states to explore by e-bike. This guide brings together our California route notes, from San Diego's bayfront and the beach paths of Los Angeles to Central Coast valleys and the waterfront loops of the Bay Area. Each entry covers the surface, the typical distance and where e-bike rules may change along the way.
Every Macfox model is a Class 2 e-bike (throttle and pedal assist, 20 mph max) with UL 2849 certification. California uses the three-class system, and many paved paths welcome Class 1 and Class 2 bikes. Some parks and natural-surface trails limit access to Class 1 only, and we've noted those below.
California E-Bike Rules in Brief
- Class 1: pedal assist only, up to 20 mph. Class 2: throttle and pedal assist, up to 20 mph. Class 3: pedal assist up to 28 mph, with a speedometer, and helmet and age requirements.
- Local agencies can restrict classes on specific paths, and many open-space preserves allow Class 1 only.
- For details, see our guide to California's e-bike regulations.
Statewide Classic: Pacific Coast Highway
Highway 1 is among the world's best-known coastal rides, with Big Sur cliffs, Monterey Bay and Southern California beaches along the way. It's a road route with traffic, narrow shoulders in places and seasonal closures, so many riders choose shorter, well-supported segments, such as Monterey to Carmel or Santa Barbara to Ventura, and pair them with the dedicated paths below.
San Diego County
Bayshore Bikeway
A loop of about 24 miles around San Diego Bay, much of it on separated paths, with views of the skyline and Coronado. It's flat and relaxed; take the Coronado ferry to shorten the loop.
Coronado and the Silver Strand
Wide, flat paths along Coronado's beaches and the Silver Strand, with ocean on one side and bay on the other.
La Jolla Coast
From La Jolla Shores toward the Cove and Torrey Pines, this route mixes bike lanes with busy streets and a few steep grades. Ride early to avoid traffic and leave time for the tide pools.
Mission Bay
Miles of flat waterfront paths around Mission Bay Park, connecting beaches, parks and the boardwalk toward Pacific Beach. A good choice for a first ride.
Balboa Park and Beyond
Museums, gardens and Spanish Colonial architecture, connected by park roads and nearby bike lanes. Pair it with a ride down to the waterfront.
Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument
A hilly road ride up Point Loma to sweeping views of the bay and Pacific. The climb is steady, and pedal assist makes it far more approachable.
Sweetwater Reservoir Area
Quieter riding east of Chula Vista, with reservoir and hill views. Trail surfaces and e-bike access vary, so check county rules.
Los Angeles County
Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand)
About 22 miles of beachfront path from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance, passing Santa Monica, Venice and the South Bay piers. E-bike rules and speed limits on the path can vary by city section, so watch for signs. Weekdays and mornings are calmer.
Ballona Creek Bike Path
About 7 miles linking Culver City to Marina del Rey and the Strand, a handy connector for car-free beach days.
Los Angeles River Path
Paved sections run through Elysian Valley ("Frogtown") and Long Beach, with greenery, herons and bridges along the way. Gaps remain, so plan your connections.
Griffith Park
Park roads and loops with views toward downtown and the Hollywood sign. Some dirt trails in the park don't allow bikes or e-bikes; stay on paved, signed routes.
Long Beach Shoreline Path
A flat beach path of about 3 miles from downtown Long Beach toward Belmont Shore, with harbor and ocean views.
Palos Verdes "Donut"
A popular road loop with coastal cliffs and long climbs. Traffic is shared and descents can be fast, so ride within your comfort level.
Metro G Line Bike Path and Sepulveda Basin
The path alongside the Metro G Line busway crosses the San Fernando Valley and connects to the loops of the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area. It's convenient for commuting or an easy weekend spin.
Santa Clarita Trails
Santa Clarita's paseos and river trails create a network of off-street paths ideal for exploring by e-bike.
CicLAvia
Recurring open-streets events that temporarily close miles of LA streets to cars. Check the event schedule and e-bike guidance for each route.
Beverly Hills Loop
A residential road loop through Beverly Hills with famous streets and quiet lanes. Ride with traffic awareness and respect private property.
Orange County and the Inland Empire
Santa Ana River Trail
A long riverside path from the mountains toward Huntington Beach, with roughly 30 miles of continuous riding in Orange County. Posted rules have allowed Class 2 bikes on the Orange County portion; check current signs.
Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park (Riverside)
Rolling trails through coastal sage scrub with views across Riverside. Posted rules have allowed Class 2 bikes here; check current signs.
Pacific Electric Trail
About 21 miles across the Inland Empire on a former rail line, mostly paved and gently graded. See our Southwest guide for more.
Central Coast and Ventura
Ojai Valley Trail
About 9 miles from Ventura up to Ojai on a paved path, with a gentle climb most of the way. Pair it with the Ventura River Trail for a longer day.
Santa Barbara Waterfront Path
A flat beachfront path along Cabrillo Boulevard with palm-lined ocean views; easy and scenic.
Poly Canyon Road (San Luis Obispo)
A smooth access road through scenic canyon country near Cal Poly. Posted access has been limited to Class 1.
Bay Area and Northern California
San Francisco Bay Trail
A planned 500-plus-mile ring around the bay, with most of it already open. Segments like the Embarcadero, Sausalito and Richmond's shoreline make excellent day rides.
Golden Gate Park
Car-free stretches of JFK Promenade and park roads lead to gardens, lakes and Ocean Beach.
Embarcadero Promenade
A flat waterfront ride from the Ferry Building toward Fisherman's Wharf, with bay and bridge views.
Presidio Loop
Wooded roads and paths with Golden Gate views and some short climbs; pedal assist helps.
Great Highway and Sunset Dunes
A coastal ride along Ocean Beach with wide paths and sea breezes. Sand can drift onto the path, so take it easy.
Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands
Cross the bridge (check which sidewalk is open to bikes), then climb into the Headlands for views back across the city. On the way back, Sausalito's ferry is a scenic option.
Angel Island
A perimeter road of about 5 miles with views of the city and the Golden Gate, reached by ferry. Check ferry and park rules for e-bikes.
Napa Valley Vine Trail
A growing paved path through vineyard country, with many miles already open between Napa and Yountville and beyond.
American River Bike Trail (Sacramento)
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail runs about 32 miles from Old Sacramento to Folsom Lake along the river. Shade, wildlife and easy grades make it a standout for long, relaxed rides. Check current Sacramento County rules for e-bike classes.
Lake Tahoe Shoreline Paths
Paved shared-use paths on Tahoe's south and west shores offer lake views without the hard climbs of the backcountry. The Tahoe Rim Trail itself is generally not open to e-bikes, so stick to the paved paths.
Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley
For a winter desert ride, the paved CV Link and city bike lanes around Palm Springs offer flat, sunny miles. Carry plenty of water and avoid midday heat.
Trails Posted as Class 1 Only
These popular Southern California trails have been posted as Class 1 only, which means Class 2 bikes with throttles, including Macfox models, may not be permitted. We list them so you can plan; always check current rules.
| Trail | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Picacho Trails | Imperial County | Desert routes near Winterhaven |
| Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve | San Diego | Canyon trails, mostly natural surface |
| Shady Canyon Loop | Irvine | Moderate climbs |
| Box Springs Mountain Reserve | Riverside | Short, steep trails |
| Big Bear Lake area | San Bernardino Mtns | High-altitude; some paved paths around the lake |
| Lehigh Trails | Tehachapi | Trail network |
| Hazard Peak Trail | Montaña de Oro SP | Singletrack |
| Los Flores Ranch Park | Santa Maria | Short loops |
| Conejo Canyons Open Space | Thousand Oaks | Open-space trails |
Corral Canyon in the Cleveland National Forest is an OHV area shared with motorized vehicles. Check Forest Service rules and conditions before visiting.
Choosing a Macfox for California Routes
For beach paths and city riding, the Macfox X1S is light and easy to live with. For longer days like the American River Trail, take a look at the Macfox X7. If your route includes sand, packed dirt or rougher pavement, the Macfox X2 Pro adds fat-tire cushioning and full suspension.
Test Ride in California
Would you like to try a Macfox before you ride? Book a test ride at a nearby dealer in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire or the Bay Area.
FAQs
Can I ride a Class 2 e-bike on California bike paths?
On many paved paths, yes. Some local agencies and open-space preserves limit access to Class 1, so check posted signs and park websites.
What's an easy first ride in Southern California?
Mission Bay in San Diego, the Bayshore Bikeway and stretches of the Strand in Los Angeles are flat, scenic and well signed.
What's a good longer ride in Northern California?
The American River Bike Trail and sections of the San Francisco Bay Trail offer long, gently graded miles with few car crossings.
More states are covered in our Best E-Bike Trails by State guide. Ready to ride? Explore Macfox e-bikes.
Last updated: October 2026. Trail access and e-bike rules change; always confirm with the managing agency before riding.
