
California weighs license plates and speed caps for e-bikes amid safety concerns
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.











