California Approves E-Bikes on Bike Paths
Last week, California governor Jerry Brown signed legislation that legalizes electric-assist bikes for bike path use. The first statewide law of its kind, the legislation is designed to encourage e-bike use and set guidelines for how cities should treat this relatively new class of bikes. The law takes effect on January 1.
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The law is significant because it recognizes most e-bikes as being distinct from mopeds, the non-bike vehicle with which they had been associated legally.
“We believe these new regulations will serve as a model for many other states to follow and provide safe and appropriate access,” said Larry Pizzi, chair of the Bicycle Product Suppliers’ Association’s Electric Bicycle Committee. Dave Snyder, executive director of the state bike advocacy group CalBike, said, “E-bikes make bicycling more accessible to Californians, so they’re an important part of the solution” to transportation issues.
The law splits e-bikes into three categories: Type 1 e-bikes are pedal-assisted machines with a maximum assisted speed of 20mph; Type 2 are throttle-assist with the same max mph cutoff; Type 3 are pedal-assisted bikes with a max assist speed of 28mph. The assist speed refers to the point at which the motor cuts off; a rider can go faster, but only under pedal power or with gravity.
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Under the California law, Type 1 and 2 e-bikes would be allowed on off-street multi-use paths, while Type 3 e-bikes would be restricted to roads and bike facilities adjacent to roads (like on-street lanes). Helmet use would be mandatory for Type 3 e-bikes, but plates will not be required. Starting in 2017, bikemakers will be required to label their e-bikes Type 1, 2, or 3. The law does not prevent local authorities from further restricting e-bike use if necessary, and applies only to roads and bike paths governed under state and federal vehicle code; natural surface paths in parks and open space areas, like mountain bike trails, are not covered by the new law.
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