California Moves to Clarify E-Bike Regulations

New bill aims to distinguish e-bikes from faster, more powerful 'e-motos'

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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California is considering a new bill, Senate Bill 1167, that would clarify the definition of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and prohibit retailers from labeling higher-powered, electric-powered vehicles as e-bikes. The goal is to address confusion around e-bikes and their faster, motorcycle-like counterparts known as 'e-motos', which have seen a surge in injuries in recent years.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is an attempt to better regulate the growing e-bike market and improve public safety, especially for younger riders. With e-bike-related injuries increasing over 1,000% nationwide between 2020 and 2024, there is a need to clearly distinguish between legal e-bikes and the more powerful 'e-motos' that can reach high speeds and pose greater risks.

The details

The bill would define e-bikes as having fully operative pedals and electric motors not exceeding 750 watts, with top speeds between 20-28 mph. This is meant to differentiate e-bikes from the faster, motorcycle-like 'e-motos' that can reach speeds up to 55 mph. The legislation aims to prevent retailers from mislabeling these higher-powered vehicles as e-bikes, which could lead to dangerous misunderstandings by consumers, especially parents buying them for their children.

  • The proposed bill, Senate Bill 1167, was introduced in the California legislature in early 2026.

The players

California State Senator Catherine Blakespear

A Democratic state senator representing parts of North County in San Diego, Blakespear sponsored the bill to clarify e-bike regulations.

Daniel Purnell

A manager and technician at Pasadena Cyclery in Pasadena, California, who has encountered confusion from customers about the differences between e-bikes and faster 'e-motos'.

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What they’re saying

“There's definitely an education problem.”

— Daniel Purnell, Manager and Technician, Pasadena Cyclery (Wired)

“We're overdue to have better e-bike regulation. This has been an ongoing and growing issue for years.”

— Catherine Blakespear, California State Senator (Wired)

What’s next

The California legislature is expected to consider and vote on Senate Bill 1167 in the coming months.

The takeaway

As the popularity of electric bicycles continues to rise, California's proposed legislation aims to provide clearer guidelines and improve safety by distinguishing between legal e-bikes and the faster, more powerful 'e-motos' that have contributed to a surge in injuries in recent years.