Morning reporter Raishaud Pinkney reports
CHICO, Calif. – New California laws are tightening rules around electric motorcycles, also known as e-motos, and local businesses say the changes are already affecting sales.
E-motos are now classified under California law as off-highway vehicles. This means they can’t be driven on city streets, bike paths or parks.
Inside All Electric Motion in Chico, electric bikes and electric motorcycles may look similar, but under the law, they’re treated very differently.
“The sales have declined a little bit. That’s definitely affecting how people are buying,” said Aaron Andrus, owner of All Electric Motion.
E-motos are typically more powerful than 750 watts and can exceed 20 miles per hour, and some modified models are capable of reaching speeds up to 70 miles per hour, according to law enforcement.
That distinction is key because while e-bikes can be ridden in many public spaces, e-motos are restricted to private property or designated off-highway vehicle areas.
Andrus is pointing to proposed legislation that could further limit electric bike power and speed statewide. “If they cut the wattage down and lower the speeds, it’s going to hugely impact every business like mine,” Andrus said.
While electric motorcycles are seeing a slowdown, Andrus says traditional e-bike sales are actually increasing with more people using them as a cheaper alternative to driving as gas prices remain high.
Under California law, e-moto violations can result in tickets and a minimum 48-hour impound.
