New Year, New e-Bike Laws

What you need to know about California’s new laws.

• Class 2: Throttle-assisted e-bikes, with a maximum speed of 20 mph. Throttles are allowed but must stop functioning once the bike reaches 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph. Throttles are now explicitly prohibited on Class 3 e-bikes.

These changes aim to eliminate ambiguities in the previous classification system, particularly concerning throttles.

Restrictions on Modifications

Assembly Bill 1774 prohibits modifications that alter an e-bike’s speed capabilities beyond its designated class. Selling devices intended to modify e-bike speeds is also banned. Violations are considered criminal offenses, enforceable by state and local authorities.

Age Restrictions and Safety Measures

Assembly Bill 2234 empowered local authorities in San Diego County to prohibit children under 12 from riding e-bikes.

This measure was implemented because of the rise in e-bike-related injuries among young riders.

While it is not a ban on these young riders, yet, it does allow communities to make regulations on them.

Additionally, all e-bike riders under 18 are required to wear helmets, and no one under 16 can operate a Class 3 e-bike.

Regarding riders under 12, as of now, specific communities in San Diego County have not publicly announced ordinances enforcing this age restriction. However, Carlsbad and Encinitas have declared local emergencies due to e-bike safety concerns, indicating a proactive approach to regulating e-bike usage. Oceanside has also had several recent accidents with young riders. Keep an eye on these communities for future changes.

NBC San Diego reported more on this topic.

E-Bike Incentive Program

To promote the adoption of e-bikes, California introduced a voucher program offering:

• Base Incentive: $1,750 towards the purchase of an eligible e-bike.
• Additional Incentives: Up to $250 for low-income applicants.

The first round of vouchers were distributed in December (and were gone in under 30 minutes!) but there will be more opportunities this year. Keep an eye on our newsletter, we will let you know when those windows open, or check out the CalBike website.

• Trail Etiquette: On trails less than 5 feet wide, riders must dismount when within 50 feet of a pedestrian or horse to ensure safety for all trail users.
• Passenger Restrictions: Carrying passengers on handlebars or back bike racks not specifically designed for additional riders is prohibited, promoting safer riding practices.
• Mandatory Safety Courses: First-time offenders of e-bike regulations may have the option to attend a safety course provided by the Carlsbad Police Department instead of paying a fine, emphasizing education over punishment.

These measures aim to promote responsible e-bike usage and reduce accidents within the city. Carlsbad has also declared a local state of emergency to address the significant increase in collisions involving bikes. For more detailed information, you can visit the City of Carlsbad’s webpage on e-bike use.

Communities all around Southern California are enacting their own rules. You are responsible for knowing the laws where you ride.

Compliance and Enforcement

E-bike manufacturers and retailers are responsible for ensuring their bikes comply with the updated classifications and safety standards. Riders should also verify their e-bikes meet the new legal definitions to avoid any penalties.

While it’s not expected to trigger violations for riders, be aware that the new laws do not specify how some of these regulations might play out for riders.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with both state and local laws and be safe on the roads.