California lawmakers propose e-bike registration and lower speed limits
Updated
Updated · The San Francisco Standard · Apr 30
California lawmakers propose e-bike registration and lower speed limits
10 articles · Updated · The San Francisco Standard · Apr 30
AB 1942 would require Class 2 and 3 e-bikes to register with the DMV and display plates, while AB 1557 would cut Class 1 and 2 assist speeds to 16mph from 20mph.
The bills, still in committee and effective from 1 January if passed, are aimed at child safety and helping police identify unsafe, modified or illegal e-moto riders.
San Francisco cyclists, bike advocates and retailers oppose the measures, saying they could deter bike use and misidentify the main problem as e-bikes rather than illegally marketed e-motos.
Will California's proposed e-bike laws curb youth injuries or simply push commuters back into cars?
Is California targeting everyday e-bikes when the real danger is from illegal, high-speed e-motos?