California Moves to Rein in Overpowered E-Bikes
California lawmakers are aiming to close a major electric bike loophole—one that’s quietly fueled faster, more dangerous rides under the guise of legality.
Assembly Bill 1557, introduced by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D–San Mateo), seeks to cap all e-bike motors at 750 watts of peak output. That’s a big shift: the current law only sets a 750W limit without specifying whether it refers to continuous or peak power.
This gray area has become a playground for manufacturers, who label bikes as “750W” while designing them to deliver brief bursts of 1,000 watts or more—resulting in quicker acceleration and higher real-world performance.
Safety Concerns Push the Issue
Lawmakers say the mismatch between labeled and actual performance is leading to more severe e-bike crashes, especially among teens. Trauma centers in places like Marin County report injury patterns similar to motorcycle collisions—raising alarms about e-bike safety and regulation.
Papan argues it’s time to draw a clear legal line: if an e-bike can produce more than 750W at peak, it’s no longer an e-bike under state law.
The Wattage Problem
But experts say wattage is a murky standard. Power ratings aren’t standardized or precise—they’re often just branding. A 750W motor paired with a powerful controller can easily pump out 1,000W or more.
Critics believe motor power isn’t the real issue. Legal e-bikes are already speed-limited to 20 mph. The danger, they argue, comes from riders—especially young ones—who lack training or awareness of traffic laws.
A Regulatory Headache Ahead?
If passed, AB 1557 could force e-bike makers to relabel or detune bikes just for California. It could also confuse buyers when bikes look identical but come with different power stickers.
Still, the state appears ready to act—even if it means rewriting the rules of what makes an e-bike “legal.”
