Illegal E-Motos Threaten Legitimate E-Bike Market

Industry leaders call for clear legal definitions, education, and enforcement to address the rise of high-powered electric bikes masquerading as e-bikes

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:40pm

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An extreme close-up of a glowing, futuristic electric bike motor and drivetrain components, conceptually illustrating the high-powered nature of illegal e-motos that are undermining the legitimate e-bike market.As tensions over autonomous vehicles escalate, a recent wave of targeted street vandalism exposes pent-up frustration with driverless technology.San Anselmo Today

A panel discussion titled 'E-moto: The Phantom Menace' brought together experts from PeopleForBikes, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, and the Motorcycle Industry Council to address the growing problem of illegal 'e-motos' that are undermining the progress made in establishing a legal framework for electric bicycles. The panelists outlined a three-part strategy of legislation, education, and enforcement to tackle this issue and protect the legitimate e-bike market.

Why it matters

The rise of high-powered electric bikes that exceed legal e-bike limits for speed and power output is threatening the hard-won progress the industry has made in establishing a 3-class e-bike framework adopted by 36 states. These 'e-motos' are being marketed and sold as e-bikes, causing confusion for consumers, law enforcement, and lawmakers, and putting public safety at risk.

The details

These e-motos, which can reach speeds of 40-50 mph and have motors over 750 watts, are exploiting a loophole by attaching pedals to a motorcycle-style frame. Manufacturers are 'regulatory laundering' these vehicles to classify them as bicycles. This is causing issues for law enforcement, who struggle to distinguish between legal e-bikes and illegal e-motos, and has led to bans on all e-bikes in some communities. The panel stressed the need for clear legal definitions, mandatory point-of-sale disclosures, and enforcement tools to address this problem.

  • In the past 2-3 years, the problem of e-motos has become increasingly visible in suburban neighborhoods.
  • Last year, PeopleForBikes began promoting the term 'e-moto' to more clearly distinguish these vehicles from legitimate e-bikes.

The players

Dr. Ash Lovell

Vice President of Government Relations at PeopleForBikes, a leading advocacy group for the e-bike industry.

Catherine Blakespear

California State Senator who introduced SB 1167, a bill to regulate e-motos and close legal loopholes.

Tarrell Kullaway

Executive Director of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition and elected official in San Anselmo, a community heavily impacted by the e-moto problem.

Christie LaCarrell

Representative from the Motorcycle Industry Council, which has partnered with PeopleForBikes on e-bike education efforts.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest threat to the future of E-bikes right now is not anti-bicycle politicians. It's not city councils. It's not cars. The biggest threat to E-bikes right now is vehicles that are not E-bikes being called E-bikes. If we don't solve this problem as an industry, someone else will solve it for us. And we won't like the result.”

— Dr. Ash Lovell, Vice President of Government Relations, PeopleForBikes

“If you're in New Jersey, and you are a mom on a cargo bike, with two kids on the back, you have to be registered, you have to have insurance, you have to have a license, and then each of you have to be wearing a motorcycle helmet.”

— Tarrell Kullaway, Executive Director, Marin County Bicycle Coalition

What’s next

The judge in California will decide on Tuesday whether to allow SB 1167, the bill to regulate e-motos, to move forward.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the need for clear legal definitions, consumer education, and effective enforcement to protect the legitimate e-bike market and ensure public safety on streets and trails. Without industry-led solutions, lawmakers may impose overly broad regulations that undermine the accessibility and environmental benefits of e-bikes.