Amazon will stop selling e-bikes in California that exceed the state’s speed limits, according to a statement by Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer.
Amazon’s decision came after California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert to the company.
The Attorney General’s alert set speed restrictions that e-bikes must adhere to for safety. Pedal-assisted e-bikes can only travel 28 miles per hour, and throttle-assisted e-bikes can only travel 20 miles per hour.
Amazon lists e-bikes on its website that can travel over 40 miles per hour.
Prior to their recent decision, Amazon did not mandate third-party sellers to verify that the e-bike they sell does not exceed customers’ state speed limits.
It was only after being questioned about the e-bike listings by KCRA 3 Investigates that Amazon decided to require third-party sellers to follow Amazon policies, alongside every state’s speed and safety laws.
Additionally, the company alleged it will investigate “similar products” in accordance with the law as well.
Across the United States, over 100 deaths have been caused by e-bikes and e-motorcycles.
E-bikes in California
According to Spitzer’s statement, injuries and crashes due to e-bikes have increased by 430% in four years in Southern California. Documents released by San Diego police revealed that incidents involving e-bikes have practically quadrupled in the last five years.
Due to a significant increase in e-bike-related accidents and hospitalizations, in January 2026, the state started implementing harsher consequences for those who break the law.
One Aliso Viejo mother is facing manslaughter charges from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office after her 14-year-old son struck and killed an 81-year-old man. The parent had been warned on several occasions that her son was breaking the law.
For several years, California law has required that Class 3 e-bikes be operated by drivers age 16 or older.
Prior to 2026, if younger riders were found to be driving the bicycle, they could be subject to citations.
Now, authorities can seize the e-bike from violators on the spot for a minimum of two days. Additionally, rather than e-bike rear lights and reflectors only being required to light at night, drivers must keep them on at all times of operation.
E-bikes must also undergo battery certifications to reduce the risk of fire. Bicycles that had alterations done to exceed the motor limit of 750 watts or to increase the given speed are now considered undocumented motor vehicles.
This is significant because motor vehicles are subject to much stricter safety laws and regulations.