California enacts new e-bike safety laws

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed three new laws in California aimed at addressing safety concerns and rising collision rates involving electric bicycles. These measures follow a previous law established to create e-bike safety training for students.

The new legislation includes setting sidewalk speed limits, clarifying e-bike classifications, and limiting youth access to certain models. Specifically, Assembly Bill 2595 authorizes a pilot program in San Mateo County that bans children under the age of 12 from riding certain lower-speed e-bikes. Violators may face $25 fines from parents or guardians. Similar programs are being developed for San Diego and Marin counties.

Research from UC San Diego indicates that e-bike collisions are increasing rapidly, noting a rise from two incidents in 2018 to 1,566 in 2024, with a particular impact on riders aged 14 and younger. While proponents argue these laws are necessary for safety, critics express concern that overregulation could discourage the use of affordable, clean transportation.