Amazon says it will stop selling certain high-speed electric bicycles in California following a series of deadly crashes and mounting pressure from state officials over safety concerns tied to electric bikes and e-motorcycles.
The policy change comes after California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning that some vehicles marketed as e-bikes do not legally qualify as electric bicycles under California law because of their high speeds. State law limits pedal-assisted e-bikes to 28 mph and throttle-assisted e-bikes to 20 mph. Faster vehicles are considered mopeds or motorcycles and require licensing and other regulations.
The crackdown follows several recent fatal incidents involving young riders in Southern California. In one widely publicized Orange County case, authorities say a 14-year-old boy riding an e-motorcycle struck and killed 81-year-old substitute teacher Ed Ashman outside a school in Lake Forest. Prosecutors later charged the teen’s mother with involuntary manslaughter, alleging she knowingly allowed her son to illegally operate the vehicle.
Another recent incident involved a 13-year-old boy who died after crashing an e-bike or e-motorcycle, adding to growing concerns among parents, law enforcement officials and safety advocates.
According to reports, investigations found numerous electric bikes listed on Amazon capable of speeds exceeding 40 mph. After inquiries from media outlets, Amazon removed some listings and said it would require third-party sellers to comply with California laws and company policies.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer praised the move, saying injuries linked to e-bikes and e-motorcycles have risen sharply in recent years. Officials reported more than 100 deaths nationwide connected to e-bike and e-motorcycle crashes, with injuries in Southern California increasing dramatically over the last four years.
Safety advocates say the issue is partly driven by confusion between traditional e-bikes and more powerful electric motorcycles being marketed to teenagers as bicycles. Advocates argue stricter enforcement and clearer classifications could help prevent additional deaths and serious injuries.
