San Diego, January 14, 2026
A new bill in California aims to tackle the increasing injuries related to e-bikes by imposing stricter regulations. The legislation will ban speed-enhancing modifications, clarify e-bike classifications, and enhance enforcement authority, all aimed at improving public safety in light of a significant rise in e-bike injuries. Stakeholders are advocating for measures that balance the advantages of e-bikes with public safety as the bill moves through the legislative process.
San Diego, California – New Bill Aims to Regulate E-Bike Speeds Amid Rising Injuries
San Diego, California – A new bill introduced in California seeks to address the surge in e-bike injuries by imposing stricter regulations on electric bicycles. The legislation aims to curb the sale and use of e-bikes modified to exceed legal speed limits, enhancing public safety across the state.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation
- Prohibition of Speed-Enhancing Modifications: The bill seeks to ban the sale of applications and devices designed to modify e-bike speed limits beyond legal thresholds. This measure targets the illegal tampering of e-bikes, which has been linked to a significant increase in injuries.
- Clarification of E-Bike Classifications: The legislation aims to define e-bikes more precisely, ensuring that only those with motors incapable of exceeding 750 watts are classified as electric bicycles. This distinction is crucial for regulatory purposes and public safety.
- Enhanced Enforcement Authority: The bill seeks to grant law enforcement clearer authority to remove e-bikes that do not comply with established safety standards, particularly those modified to exceed speed limits.
Context and Background
The introduction of this bill comes in response to a notable increase in e-bike-related injuries across California. Data from the California Highway Patrol indicates a nearly four-fold rise in e-bike injuries from 2022 to 2024, with modified e-bikes being a significant contributor to this trend. The legislation aims to close critical loopholes in existing laws, particularly concerning the sale and use of devices that enable e-bikes to surpass legal speed limits.
Local authorities have also been proactive in addressing e-bike safety. For instance, Marin County has implemented ordinances prohibiting the use of throttle-powered Class 2 e-bikes for individuals under 16, based on local emergency response data showing a higher accident rate among young riders. Additionally, Riverside County has reminded parents of their potential liability for their children’s reckless use of e-bikes, emphasizing the importance of proper education and safety measures.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders, including local governments and law enforcement agencies, continue to advocate for measures that balance the benefits of e-bikes with the need for public safety. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for how e-bike regulations are enforced statewide, potentially influencing future policies and safety standards.
Key Features of the Proposed Legislation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Prohibition of Speed-Enhancing Modifications | Bans the sale of applications and devices designed to modify e-bike speed limits beyond legal thresholds, targeting illegal tampering linked to increased injuries. |
| Clarification of E-Bike Classifications | Defines e-bikes more precisely, ensuring only those with motors incapable of exceeding 750 watts are classified as electric bicycles, crucial for regulatory purposes and public safety. |
| Enhanced Enforcement Authority | Grants law enforcement clearer authority to remove e-bikes that do not comply with established safety standards, particularly those modified to exceed speed limits. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the new California bill propose regarding e-bike speed modifications?
The bill seeks to prohibit the sale of applications and devices designed to modify e-bike speed limits beyond legal thresholds, targeting illegal tampering that has been linked to increased injuries.
How does the bill aim to clarify e-bike classifications?
The legislation aims to define e-bikes more precisely, ensuring that only those with motors incapable of exceeding 750 watts are classified as electric bicycles, which is crucial for regulatory purposes and public safety.
What authority would law enforcement gain under this bill?
The bill seeks to grant law enforcement clearer authority to remove e-bikes that do not comply with established safety standards, particularly those modified to exceed speed limits.
What is the context behind the introduction of this bill?
The bill responds to a significant increase in e-bike-related injuries across California, with data indicating a nearly four-fold rise from 2022 to 2024, largely due to modified e-bikes exceeding legal speed limits.
How have local authorities addressed e-bike safety?
Local authorities, such as those in Marin County and Riverside County, have implemented ordinances and reminders to parents about potential liabilities, emphasizing the importance of proper education and safety measures for young e-bike riders.
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