The New California bill focuses on high-speed e-bikes

If the proposed new bill eventually becomes law, faster electric bikes could soon have a tougher fight in California.

E-bike speeds in the state, which uses a similar three-class system to most of the United States, are limited to 20 mph (32 km/h) for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, or 28 mph (45 km/h) for electric bicycles Class 3 electric bicycles.

However, because electric bikes are relatively simple to use, many owners can easily modify some of them to make them go even faster. In some cases, devices can be purchased that can help electric bike owners with this.

California Assembly Bill 1774 aims to restrict the sale of such devices, which could help e-cyclists remove speed limits on their bikes.

The proposed legislation, which was recently withdrawn from committee and now heads to the larger assembly, “would prohibit a person from selling a product or device that can change the speed of an electric bicycle in such a way that it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.” electric bike.”

The aim is to prevent the spread of illegal high-speed electric bikes, which would technically fall entirely outside the legal realm of bicycles. Instead, such out-of-class electric bicycles would have to be reclassified as mopeds or motorcycles, which carries a greater regulatory burden.

Higher speeds also mean longer stopping distances and more serious injuries in the event of an accident. Supporters of the bill argue that cities and municipalities may not be prepared to handle the increased speeds in existing bicycle infrastructure, which could lead to more accidents.

Furthermore, insurance and liability issues become more complicated when e-bikes exceed intended speed limits and enter moped- or motorcycle-level classes.

The purpose of the act is clear, although it may not be as effective as its authors expect. While there are devices that can be used to reduce restrictions on electric bikes, they are actually quite rare in the field of electric bike hot-rodding.

E-bike owners are much more likely to use built-in methods to remove speed limits built into e-bikes, for example through software, including by changing settings available to the user. There are also physical methods that require no purchases, such as cutting a hidden “speed limit wire” or manipulating wheel magnets designed to interpret the bike’s current speed.

While the bill does not directly address these types of modifications, technically the law it amends already makes such modifications illegal if they ultimately push the performance of an electric bike beyond the legally defined limits of electric bikes, i.e. above: Speed ​​20 or 28 miles per hour, depending on the class.

There are currently no laws in California that limit the maximum speed of cars or prohibit the use of hot rodding on cars to make them go faster than the manufacturer’s limits.

The speed debate

Supporters of the regulations argue that increasing the maximum speed of e-bikes poses serious safety risks. Devices that bypass built-in speed limits can significantly increase speeds, leading to dangerous situations on cycle paths.

On the other hand, opponents of the bill believe that limiting the possibility of self-modification of private electric bicycles is an exaggeration that may limit the advantages of such vehicles. They argue that many cyclists use faster e-bikes responsibly and appreciate the extra power and speed for practical reasons, such as commuting longer distances to work or keeping up with car speeds when forced to share the road in areas without sufficient bike lane infrastructure .

Is it possible to find a golden mean?

The proposed bill comes at a time when there is already heated debate about the balance between safety and transportation benefits in the e-bike industry, especially among young riders.

While the need to protect public safety is undeniable, it will be important to find a solution that also supports the development and benefits of environmentally conscious e-bikes. What do you think? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments section below!

via: CBS8