The California Government Is Coming for Your E-Bikes
California lawmakers are considering two bills that would impose new regulations on e-bikes, including requiring license plates for certain classes and reducing speed limits for models used by children. The proposed measures aim to address safety concerns, particularly in suburban areas, but have sparked opposition from cyclists who argue they could discourage bike use. Critics believe the real issue lies with illegal e-motos, not standard e-bikes.
- ▪AB 1942 would require Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes to be registered with the DMV and display license plates.
- ▪AB 1557 would lower the motor-assisted speed limit from 20 mph to 16 mph for e-bikes that children under 16 can ride.
- ▪Class 3 e-bikes currently allow speeds up to 28 mph and require riders to be at least 16 years old.
- ▪Critics argue that unregulated e-motos, not e-bikes, are responsible for most safety issues.
- ▪Another bill, SB 1167, aims to prevent high-powered e-motos from being marketed as e-bikes.
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NewsThe government is coming for your e-bikes. Here’s howNew bills would require license plates for Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes and lower peak speeds for models that children under 16 can ride.If passed, two new state bills would slow some e-bikes and require others to be registered with the DMV starting in January. | Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesBy Garrett LeahyNews ReporterPublished Apr. 30, 2026•6:00amShareShareCopy linkto this articleEmailTwitter (opens in new tab)Bluesky (opens in new tab)Facebook (opens in new tab)LinkedIn (opens in new tab)Telegram (opens in new tab)WhatsApp (opens in new tab)Reddit (opens in new tab)Close share menu9There are $9 comments on this storyIf state lawmakers have their way, you’ll have to get a license plate for your e-bike, and if you’re…
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