California Seeks to Ban E-Bike Speed Hacking Devices Under Proposed Bill

In a move to enhance the safety of e-bike users and pedestrians, California lawmakers have introduced Assembly Bill 1774, which seeks to prohibit the sale of devices or mods enabling e-bikes to surpass their legally defined speed limits.

California Cracks Down on E-Bike Speed Mods

The bill introduced by Assembly member Diane Dixon, has garnered support from community members and local residents concerned about the safety implications of 'crazy fast' e-bikes.

Assembly Bill 1774 seeks to prohibit the sale of any product or device that can modify an e-bike's speed beyond the legal limits.

E-bikes are classified into three categories in California: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, which have a maximum speed of 20 mph, and Class 3 e-bikes, which can go up to 28 mph. Devices that help e-bike owners remove these speed limits are the primary targets of this proposed legislation.

The bill also mandates that e-bike manufacturers certify their products comply with safety standards set by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the bill will go into effect 60 days after signing or by Jan 1, 2025 at the latest.

Why Ban High-Speed E-bikes?

Cases of battery fires have been increasing for the past years. To address this problem, three US firms collaborated to produce fireproof batteries for e-bikes.

As gas prices continue to rise, more Californians are turning to more fuel-efficient modes of transportation, particularly electric bikes.

The need for this legislation stems from increasing concerns about safety in neighborhoods and busy areas. As e-bikes have become more popular, so too have modifications that allow them to exceed their designed speed limits.

The bill prohibits the sale of speed modification devices, ensuring e-bikes remain within safe operational limits. Dixon emphasized the importance of safety and education, saying, "We want safety... safety features added into these bikes through education and through prohibiting these illegal speed enhancement devices."

Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to prevent accidents and injuries. Higher speeds result in longer stopping distances and more severe injuries in crashes.

Additionally, municipalities may not have the infrastructure to support these higher speeds, leading to more accidents. The regulation also addresses insurance and liability issues that arise when e-bikes exceed their intended speed limits.

Opponents, however, feel that the bill may overreach by restricting the ability of riders to modify their privately owned e-bikes. Electrek reports that some argue that many users rely on higher speeds for practical reasons, such as commuting longer distances or keeping pace with car traffic where bike lanes are insufficient.

Under existing law, any modifications that push an e-bike's speed beyond the defined limits are already illegal, Electrek points out. However, methods to bypass speed limits include both software changes and physical adjustments, such as cutting a speed-limiting wire or manipulating wheel magnets.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.