PeopleForBikes applauds the passage of SB 1167 out of the California Senate Transportation Committee, marking a significant step forward in clarifying electric bicycle (e-bike) regulations and strengthening consumer protections in California. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Catherine Blakespear, reinforces clear definitions for electric bicycles and ensures that higher-powered electric vehicles are appropriately regulated as motor vehicles.

As the e-bike market has rapidly expanded, so has confusion around products that blur the line between bicycles and motor vehicles. SB 1167 directly addresses this challenge by establishing clear guardrails: Devices that exceed California’s e-bike standards for power and speed can no longer be marketed or sold as electric bicycles. This distinction is essential to protecting riders, maintaining public trust, and ensuring that e-bikes continue to be safely operated in bike lanes, paths, and trail systems.

“E-bikes are opening the door for more people to experience the benefits of riding a bike, whether it’s for transportation, recreation, or daily life,” said PeopleForBikes General and Policy Counsel Matt Moore. “This legislation protects that progress by drawing a clear line between low-speed e-bikes and higher-powered vehicles, ensuring that consumers know what they’re buying and that communities can confidently plan for safe use.”

The bill also advances practical measures to improve transparency and enforcement. Standardized labeling requirements will ensure that every e-bike sold in California clearly displays its class and top assisted speed, helping consumers make informed decisions and supporting more consistent enforcement. At the same time, SB 1167 strengthens accountability for manufacturers and retailers by making it clear that misrepresenting higher-speed vehicles as e-bikes constitutes false advertising.

The committee passage of SB 1167 represents an important milestone in PeopleForBikes’ ongoing efforts to create a well-defined, trusted, and accessible e-bike marketplace. By preserving the integrity of low-speed electric bicycles while appropriately regulating higher-powered devices, the bill supports both rider safety and continued growth in responsible e-bike ridership.

PeopleForBikes is proud to have worked alongside Senator Blakespear, as well as partners including CalBike, Streets For All, and Streets Are For Everyone, to advance this important legislation. The bill now moves to the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee for further consideration.