Amazon Stops Selling Fast E-Bikes To Californians

Bowing to pressure from the California Attorney General, Amazon will no longer sell the fastest e-bikes in the state because of existing laws that differentiate bicycles with electric assist from mopeds and e-motorcycles.

The online retail giant said Friday it would stop selling e-bikes that have top speeds that exceed the classification for a bicycle, according to Sacramento-based KCRA. It follows a message from Attorney General Rob Bonta last month to e-bike sellers and buyers that the top speed for pedal-assisted models or Class 3 bikes is 28 mph. Models with low-speed pedal assist or a throttle-assist (Class 1 and Class 2, respectively) are not allowed to exceed 20 mph, according to state law.

The classification is required by California law to be disclosed with a permanent label on the e-bike, along with the power of the electric motor and top speed.

“We are seeing a surge of safety incidents on our sidewalks, parks, and streets,” Bonta said in an Apr. 14 press release titled “Too Fast, Too Furious.” “Bike riders and parents: If your or your teen’s electric two-wheeled vehicle goes too fast, it might be a motorcycle or a moped — not an e-bike.”

California law states that riders under 16 years old are legally allowed to ride only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, while those 16 and older can also use Class 3. However, Bonta’s office states that anything that exceeds the top speed allowed on a Class 3 vehicle, or doesn’t have pedals, requires a motorcycle license, insurance and registration in accordance with California Department of Motor Vehicle laws.

Amazon’s move follows recent fatal crashes with teens on e-motorcycles involving the riders or pedestrians, as well as ongoing clashes between bicycle and transit advocates, city leaders and even hikers, according to ABC7 in Los Angeles.

While several popular e-bikes on Amazon have top speeds in the 25 mph ballpark, others far exceed the 28 mph cap, with some reaching as high as 40 mph. However, as of Monday afternoon, I was still able to put this YVY e-bike rated at between 30 and 38 mph in my cart and have it arrive by May 22.

The rollout of city and state E-bike regulations over the past few years has proven controversial. New Jersey’s latest law that goes into effect in July is among the strictest, requiring riders to be at least 15 years old with a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance for an electric-assisted bicycle that can go more than 20 mph. Since Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill into law in January, it drew the ire of not only bicycle advocates, but environmental groups that said it would put the state behind on its climate goals.

In California, at least, the law is pretty clear: if you want to go faster than 28 mph on two wheels, get a motorcycle license.