CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1778Introduced by Assembly Member ConnollyJanuary 03, 2024 An act to amend Sections 312.5 and 21213 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1778, as introduced, Connolly. Vehicles: electric bicycles.Existing law defines an electric bicycle and classifies electric bicycles into 3 classes with different restrictions. Under existing law, a class 2 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Under existing law, a class 3 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. Existing law prohibits a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Existing law requires a person operating, or riding upon, a class 3 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.This bill would additionally prohibit a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle. The bill would require a person operating, or riding upon, a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. The bill would clarify that an electric bicycle can only be placed in a certain class if it ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a max speed regardless of the mode.Because the bill would prohibit certain persons from riding electric bicycles, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.(1) A class 1 electric bicycle, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(2) A class 2 electric bicycle, or low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(3) A class 3 electric bicycle, or speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, hour regardless of the mode, and equipped with a speedometer.(b) A person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in this section, is subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.(c) On and after January 1, 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.SEC. 2. Section 21213 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:21213. (a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle.(b) A person shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 1778Introduced by Assembly Member ConnollyJanuary 03, 2024 An act to amend Sections 312.5 and 21213 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 1778, as introduced, Connolly. Vehicles: electric bicycles.Existing law defines an electric bicycle and classifies electric bicycles into 3 classes with different restrictions. Under existing law, a class 2 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Under existing law, a class 3 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. Existing law prohibits a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Existing law requires a person operating, or riding upon, a class 3 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.This bill would additionally prohibit a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle. The bill would require a person operating, or riding upon, a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. The bill would clarify that an electric bicycle can only be placed in a certain class if it ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a max speed regardless of the mode.Because the bill would prohibit certain persons from riding electric bicycles, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 1778
Introduced by Assembly Member ConnollyJanuary 03, 2024
Introduced by Assembly Member Connolly
January 03, 2024
An act to amend Sections 312.5 and 21213 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 1778, as introduced, Connolly. Vehicles: electric bicycles.
Existing law defines an electric bicycle and classifies electric bicycles into 3 classes with different restrictions. Under existing law, a class 2 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Under existing law, a class 3 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. Existing law prohibits a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Existing law requires a person operating, or riding upon, a class 3 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.This bill would additionally prohibit a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle. The bill would require a person operating, or riding upon, a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. The bill would clarify that an electric bicycle can only be placed in a certain class if it ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a max speed regardless of the mode.Because the bill would prohibit certain persons from riding electric bicycles, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Existing law defines an electric bicycle and classifies electric bicycles into 3 classes with different restrictions. Under existing law, a class 2 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Under existing law, a class 3 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. Existing law prohibits a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Existing law requires a person operating, or riding upon, a class 3 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.
This bill would additionally prohibit a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle. The bill would require a person operating, or riding upon, a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. The bill would clarify that an electric bicycle can only be placed in a certain class if it ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a max speed regardless of the mode.
Because the bill would prohibit certain persons from riding electric bicycles, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.(1) A class 1 electric bicycle, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(2) A class 2 electric bicycle, or low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(3) A class 3 electric bicycle, or speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, hour regardless of the mode, and equipped with a speedometer.(b) A person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in this section, is subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.(c) On and after January 1, 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.SEC. 2. Section 21213 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:21213. (a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle.(b) A person shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.(1) A class 1 electric bicycle, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(2) A class 2 electric bicycle, or low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(3) A class 3 electric bicycle, or speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, hour regardless of the mode, and equipped with a speedometer.(b) A person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in this section, is subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.(c) On and after January 1, 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.
SECTION 1. Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
### SECTION 1.
312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.(1) A class 1 electric bicycle, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(2) A class 2 electric bicycle, or low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(3) A class 3 electric bicycle, or speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, hour regardless of the mode, and equipped with a speedometer.(b) A person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in this section, is subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.(c) On and after January 1, 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.
312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.(1) A class 1 electric bicycle, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(2) A class 2 electric bicycle, or low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(3) A class 3 electric bicycle, or speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, hour regardless of the mode, and equipped with a speedometer.(b) A person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in this section, is subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.(c) On and after January 1, 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.
312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.(1) A class 1 electric bicycle, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(2) A class 2 electric bicycle, or low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.(3) A class 3 electric bicycle, or speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, hour regardless of the mode, and equipped with a speedometer.(b) A person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in this section, is subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.(c) On and after January 1, 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.
312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.
(1) A class 1 electric bicycle, or low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.
(2) A class 2 electric bicycle, or low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. hour regardless of the mode.
(3) A class 3 electric bicycle, or speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, hour regardless of the mode, and equipped with a speedometer.
(b) A person riding an electric bicycle, as defined in this section, is subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.
(c) On and after January 1, 2017, manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle, and shall be printed in Arial font in at least 9-point type.
SEC. 2. Section 21213 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:21213. (a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle.(b) A person shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
SEC. 2. Section 21213 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
### SEC. 2.
21213. (a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle.(b) A person shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
21213. (a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle.(b) A person shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
21213. (a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle.(b) A person shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
21213. (a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle.
(b) A person shall not operate a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle.
SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
SEC. 3. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution.
### SEC. 3.