California weighs license plates and speed caps for e-bikes amid safety concerns
TL;DR
California lawmakers are weighing AB 1942 (requiring DMV registration and license plates for Class 2/3 e-bikes) and AB 1557 (lowering the motor-aid speed to 16 mph and capping peak power at 750W for Class 1/2), along with SB 1167 to bar high-power e-motos from being marketed as e-bikes. If approved, the rules would take effect Jan. 1. The bills aim to improve enforcement and safety amid rising e-bike use—especially among youths—though critics say they could deter biking and miss the real safety issue of car traffic.
- E-bikes are being targeted by new regulations The San Francisco Standard
- California should reconsider its rush to regulate e-bikes San Francisco Chronicle
- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Bay Area officials warn of dangerous misuse of e-bikes ABC7 San Francisco
- Proposed e-bike laws get mixed reactions in La Jolla San Diego Union-Tribune
- Advocates Question Safety Concerns Surrounding E-Bikes KQED
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