Plain English Breakdown
The official text states the bill passed both chambers but does not list a specific effective date; it only mentions January 1, 2027 as a cutoff for grandfathering older bikes.
AB-1557: New Rules for Electric Bicycles
This law lowers the speed limit and power requirements for Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles, creates a new category for cargo bikes with higher power limits, bans sales of non-compliant devices with civil fines, and restricts riders under age 16 from using motors stronger than 250 watts.
What This Bill Does
- Changes the definition of Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles so their motor assistance stops at 16 miles per hour instead of 20 miles per hour.
- Allows cargo electric bicycles to have a motor with up to 750 watts of continuous power if they are built with a reinforced frame and integrated rack or platform for carrying goods or people.
- Prohibits manufacturers from equipping, and retailers from selling or advertising, devices labeled as Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes that exceed 250 watts of continuous power or go faster than 16 miles per hour.
- Sets civil penalties up to $15,000 for a first violation and $50,000 for later violations if sellers break the new motor rules, enforceable by state or local attorneys.
- Bans people under age 16 from riding any electric bicycle with a motor stronger than 250 watts of continuous power.
Who It Names or Affects
- Manufacturers and retailers who sell or advertise electric bicycles
- Riders younger than 16 years old
- Owners of cargo electric bicycles
Terms To Know
- Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycle
- Bicycles with motors that stop helping the rider once they reach 16 miles per hour.
- Cargo electric bicycle
- A bike built with a reinforced frame and integrated rack or platform to carry goods or extra people, allowed up to 750 watts of power.
- Civil penalty
- A fine paid by the seller for breaking sales rules; this is not treated as a criminal crime.
Limits and Unknowns
- Electric bicycles made before January 1, 2027, that met old laws can keep their original classification.
- The bill states no state reimbursement is required for local agencies to enforce these new rules.
- The text does not specify the exact date this law will take effect.