Source: Bicycle Retailer and Industry News, BikeMag, CalBike

A bill recently introduced in California aims to distinctly differentiate e-bikes from high-powered electric motos, motorcycles and mopeds. SB 1167, introduced by Senator Catherine Blakespear and supported by advocacy group PeopleForBikes, aims to close vehicle code loopholes which have led to high-powered vehicles being marketed incorrectly as e-bikes.

“Faster and more powerful electric motorcycles are being marketed as e-bikes, which is dangerous to children and adults,” said Senator Blakespear. “SB 1167 makes clear to consumers whether they are buying an e-bike, which has defined limits for power and speed, or something else.”

The bill seeks to provide clear definitions for various electrically powered devices. The definition for “electric bicycle” (up to 750 watts of power and maximum speeds of 20 mph on throttle or 28 mph when pedal assisted) will be revised to specifically exclude any models that are faster or more powerful, as well as any device that falls within any defined motor vehicle type.

The definition of “moped” will be applied to any two- or three-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor under 3,000 watts and capable of reaching 30 mph (48 km/h).

The definition of “motor-driven cycle” will be revised to include cycles with electric motors up to 3,750 watts.

As such, these higher-powered devices will be subject to a full package of regulations:

• Registration and license plates required
• M1 or M2 driver’s license to operate on public roads
• Compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
• Department of Transport-approved helmets mandatory for riders and passengers
• Manufacturers and sellers are subject to motor vehicle commerce laws
• Required disclosures in all advertising – including online listings – that these are motor vehicles, not bicycles

The California Bicycle Coalition (Calbike) stated: “Electric bicycles are transforming mobility across California, offering an affordable, low-carbon way to get around. Research from the Mineta Transportation Institute has shown that e-bike ridership is growing rapidly across age groups and is expanding access to people who might not otherwise ride. Protecting that progress requires clear rules and honest marketing. By closing gaps that have allowed high-powered devices to be misrepresented as bicycles, SB 1167 ensures that higher-speed electric motorcycles are regulated consistently with other motor vehicles, while preserving the promise of legitimate e-bikes as a clean, accessible transportation option.”

PeopleForBikes assisted in drafting the bill, and stated: “By creating a much needed and robust regulatory structure for electric mopeds and other electrically-powered vehicles, this legislation will close important gaps in California law that have allowed these fast, motorized products to proliferate and be used by underaged and unlicensed operators. Importantly, the bill also protects the integrity of e-bikes. By clearly separating e-motos from low-speed e-bikes, SB 1167 preserves access to affordable, safe electric bicycles as a transportation and recreation option for Californians across the state.”