Best Bike Routes and Riding Rules in Davis, CA

For Davis bike routes, start with Covell Boulevard Bike Path, Pole Line Road Bike Path, and Putah Creek Path. This guide highlights named corridors with route profiles, map links, and e-bike class notes in the route cards.

City-specific riding context Includes statewide legal summary

Where to Ride E-Bikes in Davis, California (Routes & Maps)

State trail-access baseline: California generally treats compliant e-bikes like bicycles, but local agencies and land managers can restrict e-bike use on sidewalks, trails, parks, and other facilities. Class 3 e-bikes face more access limits than...

Covell Boulevard Bike Path

1.2 mi · +10 ft

Covell Boulevard Bike Path gives Davis riders a shared-use bicycle route with a route profile of 1.2 mi and +10 ft of climbing. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes fit this shared-use bicycle route under California's current e-bike framework; Class 3 is not the planning baseline for this path-style route.

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Pole Line Road Bike Path

1.2 mi · +10 ft

Pole Line Road Bike Path gives Davis riders a shared-use bicycle route with a route profile of 1.2 mi and +10 ft of climbing. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes fit this shared-use bicycle route under California's current e-bike framework; Class 3 is not the planning baseline for this path-style route.

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Putah Creek Path

0.9 mi · +10 ft

Putah Creek Path gives Davis riders a shared-use bicycle route with a route profile of 0.9 mi and +10 ft of climbing. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes fit this shared-use bicycle route under California's current e-bike framework; Class 3 is not the planning baseline for this path-style route.

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Russell Boulevard Bike Path

13.5 mi · +100 ft

Russell Boulevard Bike Path gives Davis riders a shared-use bicycle route with a route profile of 13.5 mi and +100 ft of climbing. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes fit this shared-use bicycle route under California's current e-bike framework; Class 3 is not the planning baseline for this path-style route.

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Willow Creek Bike Path

1.2 mi · +10 ft

Willow Creek Bike Path gives Davis riders a shared-use bicycle route with a route profile of 1.2 mi and +10 ft of climbing. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes fit this shared-use bicycle route under California's current e-bike framework; Class 3 is not the planning baseline for this path-style route.

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Davis Bike Loop

0.2 mi · +10 ft

Davis Bike Loop gives Davis riders a shared-use bicycle route with a route profile of 0.2 mi and +10 ft of climbing. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes fit this shared-use bicycle route under California's current e-bike framework; Class 3 is not the planning baseline for this path-style route.

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H Street Tunnel Route

5.2 mi · +50 ft

H Street Tunnel Route gives Davis riders a street-and-bike-lane corridor with a route profile of 5.2 mi and +50 ft of climbing. Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes fit the on-street bicycle portions of this route under California's current e-bike framework.

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North Davis Greenbelt

2.8 mi · +40 ft

North Davis Greenbelt gives Davis riders a named bicycle route with a route profile of 2.8 mi and +40 ft of climbing. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes fit this shared-use bicycle route under California's current e-bike framework; Class 3 is not the planning baseline for this path-style route.

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Sacramento Northern Bike Trail

10.1 mi · +160 ft

Sacramento Northern Bike Trail gives Davis riders a shared-use bicycle route with a route profile of 10.1 mi and +160 ft of climbing. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes fit this shared-use bicycle route under California's current e-bike framework; Class 3 is not the planning baseline for this path-style route.

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Del Rio Trail

5.1 mi · +90 ft

Del Rio Trail gives Davis riders a shared-use bicycle route with a route profile of 5.1 mi and +90 ft of climbing. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes fit this shared-use bicycle route under California's current e-bike framework; Class 3 is not the planning baseline for this path-style route.

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Service & Maintenance

Check with your trusted local bike shop for assembly and maintenance. Ariel Rider support can help answer any questions about our bikes in Davis, California.

State Law - California

Need the statewide breakdown? California e-bike registration, license, helmet, and class law.

Do I need a license, registration, or insurance in California?

Yes for at least one requirement in this state.

License: No. In California, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes that meet the state definition are not treated as motor vehicles, so a driver's license is not required. If the bike is modified beyond class limits (for example, higher motor power or motor assistance above the class speed cap), it can be regulated as a moped or motorcycle with licensing requirements.

Registration: No. California does not require registration or license plates for properly classified e-bikes. A converted or overpowered e-bike that no longer fits the class definition may need to be titled and registered as a motor vehicle under state law.

Insurance: No. Compliant e-bikes in California are generally not subject to mandatory auto liability insurance. If your e-bike is treated as a moped or motorcycle because it exceeds class limits, insurance requirements may apply just like other motor vehicles.

Do I need a helmet in California?

Helmet rules depend on age and class.

California requires helmets for Class 3 e-bike riders and passengers. Other statewide bicycle helmet rules may still apply by rider age or local rule.

Are throttle e-bikes legal in California?

Usually yes, with class-based limits and local exceptions.

Are throttles legal on e-bikes in California? Class 2: Yes. Class 1 & 3: No. In California, throttles are allowed on Class 2 e-bikes but the motor must stop providing assistance at 20 mph. Class 1 and Class 3 are pedal-assist only, so adding or enabling a throttle can push the bike out of its legal class.

Can I ride on local trails in Davis?

Trail access varies by route manager and class.

California generally treats compliant e-bikes like bicycles, but local agencies and land managers can restrict e-bike use on sidewalks, trails, parks, and other facilities. Class 3 e-bikes face more access limits than Class 1 or Class 2.

See full statewide legal text
Classification
California uses Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bike definitions. Class 1 and Class 3 are pedal-assist classes, except for start or walk assist up to 3.7 mph. A bike can fall outside the e-bike definition if it is modified, marketed, or designed to exceed 750 watts, exceed 20 mph on motor power alone, or remove operable pedals.
Helmet
California requires helmets for Class 3 e-bike riders and passengers. Other statewide bicycle helmet rules may still apply by rider age or local rule.
Throttle rules
Are throttles legal on e-bikes in California? Class 2: Yes. Class 1 & 3: No. In California, throttles are allowed on Class 2 e-bikes but the motor must stop providing assistance at 20 mph. Class 1 and Class 3 are pedal-assist only, so adding or enabling a throttle can push the bike out of its legal class.
Trail access
California generally treats compliant e-bikes like bicycles, but local agencies and land managers can restrict e-bike use on sidewalks, trails, parks, and other facilities. Class 3 e-bikes face more access limits than Class 1 or Class 2.
Minimum age
California requires Class 3 e-bike operators to be at least 16. Other age limits may apply through local rules or facility policies.
License rules
No. In California, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes that meet the state definition are not treated as motor vehicles, so a driver's license is not required. If the bike is modified beyond class limits (for example, higher motor power or motor assistance above the class speed cap), it can be regulated as a moped or motorcycle with licensing requirements.
Registration rules
No. California does not require registration or license plates for properly classified e-bikes. A converted or overpowered e-bike that no longer fits the class definition may need to be titled and registered as a motor vehicle under state law.
Insurance rules
No. Compliant e-bikes in California are generally not subject to mandatory auto liability insurance. If your e-bike is treated as a moped or motorcycle because it exceeds class limits, insurance requirements may apply just like other motor vehicles.

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