Amazon Halts Sales of High-Speed E-Bikes in California

Amazon has announced it will stop selling e-bikes that exceed California's legal speed limits, following demands from the state's Attorney General. The retail giant's decision addresses safety concerns highlighted by Attorney General Rob Bonta, who noted a surge in incidents on streets and parks.

California law defines specific speed caps for different classes of e-bikes. Class 3 e-bikes, which are pedal-assisted, have a maximum speed of 28 mph. Lower-speed models or those with throttle assist (Class 1 and 2) are limited to 20 mph. Vehicles exceeding these limits, or lacking pedals, are classified as mopeds or motorcycles, requiring appropriate licensing, insurance, and registration.

Amazon's policy change comes amid rising concerns over recent fatal crashes involving teens on e-motorcycles and ongoing disputes among city leaders, transit advocates, and the public regarding e-bike regulations. While some e-bikes sold on Amazon reach speeds up to 40 mph, the company's new stance aligns with California's strict enforcement, reiterating that speeds over 28 mph necessitate a motorcycle license.