California's New Bill Aims to Clarify E-Bike Regulations Amid Rising Injuries

In California, a new legislative effort is underway to address confusion surrounding electric bicycles, or e-bikes, and their more powerful counterparts. The proposed Senate Bill 1167 aims to establish clearer definitions and regulations for e-bikes, distinguishing them from higher-powered electric vehicles that are often mislabeled as e-bikes. This initiative comes in response to a significant increase in e-bike-related injuries, which rose by over 1,020 percent nationwide between 2020 and 2024. However, distinguishing between e-bike injuries and those involving faster electric vehicles, such as e-motos, remains challenging.

California State Senator Catherine Blakespear, who is sponsoring the bill, emphasizes the need for improved e-bike regulation, noting that the issue has been growing for years. The bill seeks to make it illegal for retailers to mislabel higher-powered electric vehicles as e-bikes. It clarifies that e-bikes should have fully operative pedals and electric motors not exceeding 750 watts, allowing for speeds between 20 and 28 mph.

The California Bicycle Coalition, represented by executive director Kendra Ramsey, supports the legislation, highlighting the importance of correctly identifying e-bikes to prevent safety risks, especially for teenagers. Teenagers account for a significant portion of e-bike injuries, and the bill's backers hope that clearer regulations will help mitigate these risks.

Currently, there are no national laws governing e-bike usage, but many states have adopted a three-class system for e-bikes. Class 1 e-bikes require pedaling to activate the motor and can reach speeds up to 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes have throttles that work without pedaling but also cap at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes use pedal-assist to reach speeds up to 28 mph and are often restricted to riders over 16. However, a study in the San Francisco Bay Area found that many electric devices used by students did not comply with this classification system.

Some advocates argue that the rise in injuries is more attributable to e-motos, which are less regulated and often marketed as e-bikes. These vehicles can exceed speeds of 30 mph and are sometimes sold online, making it difficult for consumers to understand what they are purchasing. E-motos could be subject to federal motor vehicle standards and require registration and insurance, but compliance is inconsistent.

Retailers are also grappling with the implications of selling these high-powered vehicles. The National Bicycle Dealers Association has advised its members to be cautious, citing business risks and safety concerns. Meanwhile, some retailers are hesitant to sell e-motos until regulatory clarity is achieved.

Despite the challenges, there is a positive outlook on the use of e-bikes, particularly for teenagers. Purnell, a bicycle store manager in Pasadena, sees value in teenagers using e-bikes as a form of transportation and recreation, as opposed to less active pursuits. The ongoing debate centers on balancing safety with the benefits of providing mobility options for unlicensed drivers, particularly the youth.