New California e-bike laws signed by Governor

A pair of e-bike safety bills were signed by the governor this week.

Rear Lights or reflectors required.
One new law requires e-bikes to have a red reflector or red flashing light on the back, similar to what is currently required of bicycles that are operated in the dark on highways, bikeways or sidewalks. The e-bike’s rear lights must be visible from 500 feet in front of a car’s headlights.

The other, AB 545, clarifies existing law that prohibits modifying e-bikes to exceed the speed limit allowed by law.

California law already prohibits people from tampering with an e-bike to change the speed capability to go faster than 20 mph if it’s a class 1 or 2 or 28 mph for class 3. State law also already restricts people from selling a product or device that modifies the speed of e-bikes.

AB 545 adds internet apps to the list of prohibited devices sold to increase the speed of e-bikes. According to the bill, apps available for download on the Apple and Google App stores say they can “unlock” e-bikes, increasing their power and speed.
The bills are described as critical tools needed to help keep pedestrians and fellow riders safe when using e-bikes.