Press Release: CalBike Co-Sponsors SB 1167 to Protect Consumers and Preserve Access to Legal E-Bikes
Legislation draws a clear line between electric bicycles and illegal high-powered electric motorcycles (e-motos).
SACRAMENTO — The California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike) today announced its co-sponsorship of SB 1167, introduced by Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear (D-Encinitas), legislation that strengthens consumer protections and clarifies the classifications of certain high-powered electric devices in California. SB 1167 makes it clear that electric vehicles too powerful or fast to meet the definition of an e-bike are not to be marketed or sold as e-bikes.
Electric bicycles are already clearly defined under state and federal law as having no more than 750 watts of power and maximum speeds of 20 mph on throttle or 28 mph when pedal assisted. Yet increasingly, higher-powered electric motorcycles, commonly called “e-motos,” are being marketed and sold as “e-bikes,” creating confusion for families and regulators as well as introducing new safety risks on public streets.
SB 1167 protects the integrity of the e-bike category by:
- Reaffirming the legal definition of an electric bicycle, including the 750-watt cap and Class 1, 2, and 3 speed limits.
- Cracking down on deceptive marketing, making it illegal to advertise or sell electric motorcycles, mopeds, or other higher-powered vehicles as electric bicycles.
- Requiring clear disclosure when a vehicle does not meet the e-bike definition and is subject to registration, licensing, helmet, and insurance requirements.
- Modernizing vehicle code language to clarify classifications for high-powered devices masquerading as e-bikes.
“Californians deserve clarity when they walk into a bike shop or order online,” said Kendra Ramsey, Executive Director of CalBike. “SB 1167 protects access to safe, legal e-bikes while creating a clear and lawful path for faster devices that belong in a different regulatory category. This is about consumer protection and public safety, not restricting responsible riders.”
“Faster and more powerful electric motorcycles are being marketed as e-bikes, which is dangerous to children and adults,” Sen. Blakespear said. “SB 1167 makes clear to consumers whether they are buying an e-bike, which has defined limits for power and speed, or something else.”
Electric bicycles are transforming mobility across California, offering an affordable, low-carbon way to get around. Research from the Mineta Transportation Institute has shown that e-bike ridership is growing rapidly across age groups and is expanding access to people who might not otherwise ride. Protecting that progress requires clear rules and honest marketing.
By closing gaps that have allowed high-powered devices to be misrepresented as bicycles, SB 1167 ensures that higher-speed electric motorcycles are regulated consistently with other motor vehicles, while preserving the promise of legitimate e-bikes as a clean, accessible transportation option.
For comment contact Kendra Ramsey, Executive Director kendra@calbike.org
SB 1167 is co-sponsored by CalBike, PeopleForBikes, Streets For All, and Streets Are For Everyone.
