California Establishes Legal Limits for Electric Bikes
New state legislation clarifies the distinction between e-bikes and higher-powered electric motorcycles.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1167 on September 30, 2026, to formally classify e-bikes as bicycles with motors under 750 watts. The move prevents retailers from advertising more powerful electric motorcycles as e-bikes.
Why it matters
The law aims to improve public safety and provide law enforcement with clear guidance on vehicle categories. This follows the marketing of high-powered e-motorcycles as e-bikes, a trend associated with serious traffic incidents.
Senate Bill 1167 defines e-bikes as having pedals and electric motors capped at 750 watts. The legislation specifically excludes motorcycles, mopeds, and off-highway cycles from being labeled or sold under the e-bike category.
The players
Gavin Newsom
He is the Governor of California who signed Senate Bill 1167 into law.
Motorcycle Industry Council
This trade association represents the motorcycle industry and helped refine the definitions in the new legislation.
The details
The bill mandates new labeling and disclosure requirements for dealers to ensure consumers understand the performance class of their purchase. Developed in collaboration with the Motorcycle Industry Council, the law addresses confusion that surfaced after a fatal April 2026 collision involving an 81-year-old pedestrian and a rider on an e-motorcycle.
Timeline
April 2026: An e-motorcycle rider killed an 81-year-old pedestrian.
June 2026: Washington state enacted a similar e-bike classification law.
September 30, 2026: Governor Newsom signed California Senate Bill 1167.
October 7, 2026: The Motorcycle Industry Council published its Ride Report.
Roadmap
The transition to electric mobility has introduced a blur between traditional bicycles and high-performance motor vehicles that regulators are now actively defining. This shift forces automakers and dealers to categorize products with greater precision as states move to standardize traffic safety for varied electric platforms.
Shoppers should verify the wattage ratings of electric bikes before purchase to confirm they meet the legal definition of an e-bike in California. Dealers must now clearly distinguish between e-bikes and higher-power motor vehicles at the point of sale.
The takeaway
Understanding the power limits of your electric vehicle is essential for legal compliance and road safety. Consumers should prioritize products that feature clear manufacturer labeling to ensure they are operating the intended vehicle class.
Further reading
For broader trends in the industry, explore more on Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Powersports Business.
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Should states impose stricter rules for marketing high-powered electric motorcycles as e-bikes?
