I'm here in Cali and have been milling this "Do I build it legal or fun?" over for the last few months as I collect parts for my winter project. I kinda wanna build within the parameters of the new laws but there's also the I DO WANT I WANT side of me I can't deny. Basic build out is QS205V3, Kelly 72v@120A & Chinese Stealth/EE frame.
As you may know there now 4 classes of 'motorized' bicycles in California. Very simplified explanations here
https://electricbikereview.com/guides/electric-bike-classes/
this is kinda old...
the amended law of AB 2173 under Section 1-406(a), while section (b)
Distinctions are dependent on things like max speed, type of throttle input and if it has multiple speeds, then the class also determines where it can be ridden, like bike lanes, walking paths, trails, ect... How fast appears to be State regulated, where seems to be controlled more by local ordinances than anything. The key here is how fast and where you ride.
I plan to build for a quasi legal class 1, 2 & 3 with a secret +4 mode using a combo of standard wired relays, switches, bluetooth/wifi relays and the controllers built in 3 speed function and current limiting options via bluetooth for each of the 3 speeds. So "on the key", the bike would only function as a 1, 2 or 3 until I sync my phone and digitally bypass all limitations and run it unlimited or Class 4.
Using a 3 position switch:
Position 1 or Low Speed would be set at 20mph max and would use a thumb throttle for Class 1.
Position 2 Normal Speed would be essentially the same as 1, however a relay would change the throttle in from thumb to PAS, the controller would still be hooked to low speed switch.
Position 3 or High Speed would actually be hooked up to the controllers normal speed switch, the speed would be set at class 3 limit of 28mph and use the PAS, the thumb throttle would be turned off by a relay.
Then when I am off road, using a bluetooth relay module I can override the whole system without actually touching the bike.The controller would be hooked up to the high speed switch for unregulated amps and speed, I can select thumb throttle, PAS or both and it also cuts the brake signal from the front brakes to the controller so I can roast the rear tire on demand.
Yeah, I know.... I said quasi legal. We all know it only really matters if you get paced or radar gunned by the cops. However, if I ever do get pulled or have some curious LEO want a test ride I'm kinda covered as the whole system reverts back to 'on the key or 123' as soon as the power is turned off. Thankfully the QS doesn't have any wattage ratings etched into the case and my Kelly controller only shows a max amperage rating on it's label. I see it as a grey area. What class I "claim" the bike is is dependent on where and how fast I may have be going. Sorry, I don't remember Sir.
Being legal is nice but being legal isn't always a metric for right and wrong. An ebike running at 30+mph is not hurting anyone except those who stand to profit from fuel sales, fuel tax, DMV registration and mandatory insurance requirements. This is why I don't feel the least bit of guilt grey area 'ing the shit of these stifling regulations.