Some electric bikes in California could soon require license plates under a proposed state bill aiming to address the rise in electric bike related injuries.
AB 1942 or the E-bike Accountability Act, would apply exclusively to Class 2 and Class 3 electric bikes.
Class 2 bikes can be operated without peddling until it reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 bikes reach a max speed of 28 miles per hour; motor assist could only kick in with peddling.
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The bill would also require owners to carry proof of ownership and would direct the Department of Motor Vehicles to establish a registration process. It was introduced by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan of Orinda in Contra Costa County earlier this month.
E-bike injuries spiked 18 fold between 2018 and 2023, according to state traffic data.
The bill may be heard in committee March 16th.
