In a move that has some Californians pedaling with caution, Amazon will no longer sell e-bikes that exceed state speed limits. This decision follows a consumer alert from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who reminded everyone that pedal-assisted bikes can’t exceed 28 miles per hour, while throttle-assisted models are capped at 20 miles per hour. Anything faster? Well, that’s officially considered a moped or motorcycle—complete with the need for licensing and age restrictions.
Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition, stressed the importance of consumer awareness in this landscape of speedy two-wheelers. She pointed out that many popular e-bikes on platforms like Amazon are illegally marketed as e-bikes and could land buyers in hot water. Just search “e-bike” and you might be surprised to find options that promise speeds of over 40 mph—all illegal under state regulations.
The crackdown comes amid growing safety concerns around e-bikes, particularly after incidents that resulted in tragic injuries and even fatalities. With concerns surrounding public safety on the rise, Amazon is taking action, ensuring that all third-party sellers comply with state laws. While shopping for the perfect ride may seem harmless, the message is clear: speed does kill—especially when it comes to e-bikes. So before you rush to order, make sure you’re not buying 40mph trouble in disguise!
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Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
