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| 1 | + | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 545Introduced by Assembly Member DaviesFebruary 11, 2025 An act to amend Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 545, as introduced, Davies. Vehicles: electric bicycles.Existing law defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.This bill would clarify that an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO 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 that does not exceed is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and that is not capable of providing assistance to reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour.(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.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.(4) A class 1 or class 3 electric bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour.(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.(d) The following vehicles are not electric bicycles under this code and shall not be advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as electric bicycles:(1) A vehicle with two or three wheels powered by an electric motor that is intended by the manufacturer to be modifiable to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to attain more than 750 watts of power.(2) A vehicle that is modified to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to have motor power of more than 750 watts.(3) A vehicle that is modified to have its operable pedals removed. | |
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| 3 | + | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 545Introduced by Assembly Member DaviesFebruary 11, 2025 An act to amend Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 545, as introduced, Davies. Vehicles: electric bicycles.Existing law defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.This bill would clarify that an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO | |
| 4 | 4 | ||
| 5 | - | Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 | |
| 6 | 5 | ||
| 7 | - | Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 | |
| 6 | + | ||
| 7 | + | ||
| 8 | 8 | ||
| 9 | 9 | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION | |
| 10 | 10 | ||
| 11 | 11 | Assembly Bill | |
| 12 | 12 | ||
| 13 | 13 | No. 545 | |
| 14 | 14 | ||
| 15 | 15 | Introduced by Assembly Member DaviesFebruary 11, 2025 | |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| 17 | 17 | Introduced by Assembly Member Davies | |
| 18 | 18 | February 11, 2025 | |
| 19 | 19 | ||
| 20 | - | An act to amend Section 312.5 | |
| 20 | + | An act to amend Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles. | |
| 21 | 21 | ||
| 22 | 22 | LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 23 | 23 | ||
| 24 | 24 | ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 25 | 25 | ||
| 26 | - | AB 545, as | |
| 26 | + | AB 545, as introduced, Davies. Vehicles: electric bicycles. | |
| 27 | 27 | ||
| 28 | - | Existing law defines an electric bicycle and classifies electric bicycles into 3 classes with different restrictions. Under existing law, a class 1 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a motor that, among other things, provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. 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 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, in pertinent part, 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 from selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle so that it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle. A violation of the Vehicle Code is an infraction.This bill would also prohibit a person from selling an application that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle. By creating a new prohibition with respect to the modification of an electric bicycle, the violation of which is an infraction, this 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 as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.This bill would clarify that an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power. | |
| 29 | - | ||
| 30 | - | Existing law defines an electric bicycle and classifies electric bicycles into 3 classes with different restrictions. Under existing law, a class 1 electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a motor that, among other things, provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. 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 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, in pertinent part, 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 from selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle so that it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle. A violation of the Vehicle Code is an infraction. | |
| 31 | - | ||
| 32 | - | This bill would also prohibit a person from selling an application that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle. By creating a new prohibition with respect to the modification of an electric bicycle, the violation of which is an infraction, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. | |
| 33 | - | ||
| 34 | - | 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. | |
| 35 | - | ||
| 36 | - | This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. | |
| 28 | + | Existing law defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.This bill would clarify that an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power. | |
| 37 | 29 | ||
| 38 | 30 | Existing law defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime. | |
| 39 | 31 | ||
| 40 | - | ||
| 41 | - | ||
| 42 | 32 | This bill would clarify that an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power. | |
| 43 | - | ||
| 44 | - | ||
| 45 | 33 | ||
| 46 | 34 | ## Digest Key | |
| 47 | 35 | ||
| 48 | 36 | ## Bill Text | |
| 49 | 37 | ||
| 50 | - | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section | |
| 38 | + | 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 that does not exceed is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and that is not capable of providing assistance to reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour.(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.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.(4) A class 1 or class 3 electric bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour.(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.(d) The following vehicles are not electric bicycles under this code and shall not be advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as electric bicycles:(1) A vehicle with two or three wheels powered by an electric motor that is intended by the manufacturer to be modifiable to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to attain more than 750 watts of power.(2) A vehicle that is modified to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to have motor power of more than 750 watts.(3) A vehicle that is modified to have its operable pedals removed. | |
| 51 | 39 | ||
| 52 | 40 | The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 53 | 41 | ||
| 54 | 42 | ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 55 | 43 | ||
| 56 | - | SECTION 1. Section | |
| 44 | + | 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 that does not exceed is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and that is not capable of providing assistance to reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour.(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.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.(4) A class 1 or class 3 electric bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour.(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.(d) The following vehicles are not electric bicycles under this code and shall not be advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as electric bicycles:(1) A vehicle with two or three wheels powered by an electric motor that is intended by the manufacturer to be modifiable to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to attain more than 750 watts of power.(2) A vehicle that is modified to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to have motor power of more than 750 watts.(3) A vehicle that is modified to have its operable pedals removed. | |
| 57 | 45 | ||
| 58 | - | SECTION 1. Section | |
| 46 | + | SECTION 1. Section 312.5 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read: | |
| 59 | 47 | ||
| 60 | 48 | ### SECTION 1. | |
| 61 | 49 | ||
| 62 | - | ||
| 50 | + | 312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and that is not capable of providing assistance to reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour.(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.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.(4) A class 1 or class 3 electric bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour.(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.(d) The following vehicles are not electric bicycles under this code and shall not be advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as electric bicycles:(1) A vehicle with two or three wheels powered by an electric motor that is intended by the manufacturer to be modifiable to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to attain more than 750 watts of power.(2) A vehicle that is modified to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to have motor power of more than 750 watts.(3) A vehicle that is modified to have its operable pedals removed. | |
| 63 | 51 | ||
| 64 | - | ||
| 52 | + | 312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and that is not capable of providing assistance to reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour.(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.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.(4) A class 1 or class 3 electric bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour.(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.(d) The following vehicles are not electric bicycles under this code and shall not be advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as electric bicycles:(1) A vehicle with two or three wheels powered by an electric motor that is intended by the manufacturer to be modifiable to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to attain more than 750 watts of power.(2) A vehicle that is modified to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to have motor power of more than 750 watts.(3) A vehicle that is modified to have its operable pedals removed. | |
| 65 | 53 | ||
| 66 | - | ||
| 54 | + | 312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and that is not capable of providing assistance to reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour.(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.(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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.(4) A class 1 or class 3 electric bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour.(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.(d) The following vehicles are not electric bicycles under this code and shall not be advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as electric bicycles:(1) A vehicle with two or three wheels powered by an electric motor that is intended by the manufacturer to be modifiable to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to attain more than 750 watts of power.(2) A vehicle that is modified to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to have motor power of more than 750 watts.(3) A vehicle that is modified to have its operable pedals removed. | |
| 67 | 55 | ||
| 68 | 56 | ||
| 69 | 57 | ||
| 70 | - | 24016. (a) An electric bicycle described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5 shall meet the following criteria: | |
| 71 | - | ||
| 72 | - | (1) Comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.). | |
| 73 | - | ||
| 74 | - | (2) Operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied, or operate in a manner such that the motor is engaged through a switch or mechanism that, when if released or activated, will cause the electric motor to disengage or cease to function. | |
| 75 | - | ||
| 76 | - | (b) A person operating an electric bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial responsibility, drivers licenses, registration, and license plate requirements, and an electric bicycle is not a motor vehicle. | |
| 77 | - | ||
| 78 | - | (c) Every manufacturer of an electric bicycle shall certify that it complies with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.). | |
| 79 | - | ||
| 80 | - | (d) A person shall not tamper with or modify an electric bicycle described in subdivision (a) of Section 312.5 so as to change the speed capability of the bicycle, unless the bicycle continues to meet the definition of an electric bicycle under subdivision (a) of Section 312.5 and the person appropriately replaces the label indicating the classification required in subdivision (c) of Section 312.5. | |
| 81 | - | ||
| 82 | - | (e) A person shall not sell a product or device product, device, or application that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle such that it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle under subdivision (a) of Section 312.5. | |
| 83 | - | ||
| 84 | - | SEC. 2. 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. | |
| 85 | - | ||
| 86 | - | SEC. 2. 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. | |
| 87 | - | ||
| 88 | - | SEC. 2. 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. | |
| 89 | - | ||
| 90 | - | ### SEC. 2. | |
| 91 | - | ||
| 92 | - | ||
| 93 | - | ||
| 94 | - | ||
| 95 | - | ||
| 96 | - | (a)An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power. | |
| 97 | - | ||
| 98 | - | ||
| 58 | + | 312.5. (a) An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed is not physically capable of exceeding 750 watts of power. | |
| 99 | 59 | ||
| 100 | 60 | (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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and that is not capable of providing assistance to reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour. | |
| 101 | 61 | ||
| 102 | - | ||
| 103 | - | ||
| 104 | 62 | (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. | |
| 105 | - | ||
| 106 | - | ||
| 107 | 63 | ||
| 108 | 64 | (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, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle, except as provided in paragraph (4), and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer. | |
| 109 | 65 | ||
| 110 | - | ||
| 111 | - | ||
| 112 | 66 | (4) A class 1 or class 3 electric bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour. | |
| 113 | - | ||
| 114 | - | ||
| 115 | 67 | ||
| 116 | 68 | (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. | |
| 117 | 69 | ||
| 118 | - | ||
| 119 | - | ||
| 120 | 70 | (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. | |
| 121 | - | ||
| 122 | - | ||
| 123 | 71 | ||
| 124 | 72 | (d) The following vehicles are not electric bicycles under this code and shall not be advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as electric bicycles: | |
| 125 | 73 | ||
| 126 | - | ||
| 127 | - | ||
| 128 | 74 | (1) A vehicle with two or three wheels powered by an electric motor that is intended by the manufacturer to be modifiable to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to attain more than 750 watts of power. | |
| 129 | 75 | ||
| 130 | - | ||
| 131 | - | ||
| 132 | 76 | (2) A vehicle that is modified to attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone or to have motor power of more than 750 watts. | |
| 133 | - | ||
| 134 | - | ||
| 135 | 77 | ||
| 136 | 78 | (3) A vehicle that is modified to have its operable pedals removed. |