California Enacts New E-Bike Regulations for Enhanced Safety

In response to the growing presence of e-bikes on California roads and sidewalks, Governor Gavin Newsom recently implemented three new laws designed to enhance the safety of both riders and pedestrians. One law establishes speed limits for e-bikes on sidewalks, while another addresses the issue of electric motorcycles that are marketed as e-bikes but can travel at much higher speeds.

The third law permits a pilot program in San Mateo County that bans children under the age of 12 from using certain lower-speed e-bikes, with parents or guardians facing a $25 fine for violations. While there currently is no minimum age for riding most e-bikes in California—except for the fastest models which require riders to be at least 16 years old—this initiative aims to mitigate safety concerns expressed by authorities such as Belmont city council member Robin Pang-Maganaris. Critics suggest this could lead to overpolicing of e-bike users and believe that instead, focusing on safer infrastructure for all road users would be more effective.