California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 965 into law, implementing a significant restriction on the sale of Class 3 electric bicycles to individuals under the age of 16. This legislation, effective January 1, 2026, is designed to address the rising number of accidents involving young riders and high-speed e-bikes.
Class 3 electric bikes are capable of reaching speeds up to 45 km/h (28 mph), posing a greater risk to inexperienced riders. The new law requires sellers to verify the age of buyers before completing a transaction. Non-compliance may lead to penalties, including escalating fines and potential suspension of business licenses.
The impetus for AB 965 is the growing concern over e-bike safety, particularly among younger demographics. A study by the Traffic Safety Institute indicated that Class 3 e-bikes are involved in 38% of accidents requiring hospitalization for minors. Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that California had the second-highest number of annual bicycle rider fatalities, with 145 deaths recorded between 2022 and 2023.
Assemblymember Diane Dixon, the bill's author, stated her commitment to reducing injuries for riders, pedestrians, and the community. The bill received bipartisan support. While groups like People for Safe Streets have praised the governor's decision, the California Bicycle Dealers Association has expressed concerns about potential impacts on sales and the need for enhanced road safety education.
Recent data from Huntington Beach shows a more than doubling of e-bike-related crashes involving young riders in three years, with youth e-bike trauma cases increasing by over 1,500% since 2019, according to Children's Hospital Orange County. This legislation is part of California's broader efforts to improve e-bike safety, including measures for battery safety and modifications that increase e-bike speeds.