Assemblymember Diane Papan Introduces Bill to Close Dangerous E-Bike Power Loophole

• David Burruto
• District Director
• 650-349-2200
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) today introduced Assembly Bill 1557 to strengthen California's electric bicycle safety laws by clarifying that all e-bikes must be limited to 750 watts of maximum peak motor power, closing a loophole that has allowed increasingly powerful e-bikes to be marketed as street-legal.

While California law limits e-bike motors to 750 watts, it does not limit the motor capability to 750W of peak power. Many e-bikes sold in California and labeled as "750-watt" vehicles can deliver far greater bursts of power - allowing rapid acceleration and higher speeds that pose serious safety risks, particularly for young riders.

"Families and all consumers are being sold e-bikes that are far more powerful than they often realize and the injuries we're seeing - especially among youth - are alarming," said Papan.

Trauma surgeons and public health officials have identified a troubling rise in severe e-bike injuries and fatalities. For example, MarinHealth trauma surgeons found that e-bike crash victims were more likely to require hospitalization and had significantly higher mortality rates than traditional bicyclists with injury patterns resembling motorcycle crashes.

Increased concerns regarding ebikes and injuries gained statewide attention following several high-profile youth injuries including the widely reported case of a Marin County teenager who suffered life-altering injuries in an e-bike crash who later testified before state lawmakers.

"These are not isolated incidents," Papan said. "Emergency rooms, surgeons, and public health professionals are telling us that e-bike power and speed - combined with lack of training - are driving preventable injuries."

A recently published report by Mineta Transportation Institute has identified excessive power, speed, and consumer confusion as key contributors to e-bike safety risks - particularly for younger and inexperienced riders.

"The Mineta Institute's research confirms what communities are experiencing on the ground," said Papan. "Clear standards matter."

Under the proposed legislation, electric bicycles capable of producing more than 750 watts of peak power would no longer qualify as e-bikes under California law.

"E-bikes can be a powerful tool for mobility and sustainability," Papan said. "But innovation must not come at the expense of safety - especially when children are involved."

The bill will be heard in policy committee later this legislative session.