California has introduced stricter regulations on electric bikes following a sharp rise in accidents tied to high-performance models. From 2018 to 2023, e-bike collisions in the state climbed by roughly 1,760%, while hospital admissions for e-bike-related head injuries across the U.S. increased 49 times over between 2017 and 2022. The new law, enacted in 2024, prohibits certain high-speed bikes from being classified as electric bicycles and places restrictions on the advertising and sale of e-bikes.
These measures address a mounting safety concern: many e-bikes sold with aftermarket upgrades exceed the 28 mph speed cap for Class 3 models. Some modified versions can hit 40 mph, blurring the line between bicycles and motorcycles. California’s recent statutory update clarified that a motor on a Class 3 e-bike should not be able to exclusively propel the bicycle, with an exception for a motor-powered mode of 3.7 mph designed to ease initial propulsion.
California’s Three-Tier Classification System
The state adopted a framework developed by PeopleForBikes, now used in 43 states, categorizing e-bikes by speed and motor assistance:
- Class 1: Pedal-assisted only, capped at 20 mph.
- Class 2: Throttle-controlled, capped at 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedal-assisted only, capped at 28 mph.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets a 20 mph limit for low-speed e-bikes at the federal level, but California’s updated rules now exclude any bike capable of sustained motor-only propulsion at higher speeds—even if speed governors are installed. Such vehicles will instead fall under moped or motorcycle regulations, requiring licensing, registration, and insurance, unlike standard e-bikes.
Marketing and Enforcement Hurdles
The new California law prohibits vehicles from being ‘advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as electric bicycles’ if they do not meet the statutory definition of an ‘electric bicycle.’ However, enforcement faces challenges: modified high-speed e-bikes often resemble legal models, complicating identification for authorities.
Some vendors have circumvented restrictions by promoting high-speed e-bikes as off-road vehicles, despite their ability to exceed typical e-bike speed limits. PeopleForBikes has advocated renaming these bikes as “e-motorcycles” to prevent consumer confusion over their performance capabilities.
California’s strategy could shape national policy. Federal action on e-bike regulation may set national standards. In the meantime, California’s recent legislation may provide guidance to states that wish to modify their own e-bike classification system.
E-bike sales in the U.S. have quadrupled since 2019, showing the need for balanced policies. The state’s approach suggests a measured path forward.