California's Electric Bike Law Affirms Pedego Bikes as Legal

Assembly Bill #1096, now signed into law, takes effect Jan. 1, 2016, clarifying that Pedego electric bikes are permissible on bike paths.

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 28, 2015 — Winning exceptional bipartisan support, California’s new Electric Bicycle Bill #1096 has been signed into law, clarifying that Pedego electric bikes are permissible on California’s bike paths.  Resulting from a coordinated campaign that united PeopleForBikes, the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) and the California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike), California’s new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2016, and confirms that electric bikes will be regulated similar to conventional bicycles. The Electric Bike Law creates a model for other states to follow as they clarify their own rules.

Until now, California’s regulations were vague — not clearly following all the Federal rules that allow electric bicycles on the bike paths. The Federal government left it up to individual states to choose whether to follow those guidelines. This has led to some confusion among retailers and riders in several states, especially the Golden State, where there’s a high demand for electric bikes. Under this new law, California clarifies its rules by designating three types of legal electric bicycles, with Pedego electric bikes assigned the Type 2 distinction because they have a throttle and a motor that is governed to a top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour. As legally recognized Type 2 electric bicycles, Pedego electric bikes are now officially welcome on essentially all bicycle paths and lanes in the state.

State Lawmakers believe this law will benefit the electric biking community and encourage the proliferation of this powerful alternative form of transportation to ease California’s struggles with greenhouse gas emissions and gridlock. Assembly member Matthew Harper of the 74th District is pleased at the success of the bill he co-authored. “This opens up the bike paths officially to riders who might not have been able to enjoy cycling in the past,” he said. “We’re overjoyed to see California take this step toward equal access for all bicycle riders, electric or not.”

“We went to Matthew Harper, our local State Assembly member, to discuss the conflict between state/local laws and national laws regarding the use of electric bikes on bike paths,” said Don DiCostanco, CEO, Pedego Electric Bikes. “Matthew helped us get legislation passed in Sacramento that clarifies that electric bikes are permissible on California’s bike paths.”

As Type 2 designated bicycles, Pedego electric bikes are now officially allowed on all existing bicycle infrastructure. The four types of conventional-bicycle paths include:

• Class 1 Bike Paths: Paved bicycle paths removed from streets and traffic.
• Class 2 Bike Lanes: Delineated bike lanes on paved streets.
• Class 3 Bike Routes: Recommended bicycle routes on certain streets, sometimes offering enhanced safety and signal features.
• Class 4 Protected Lanes: Also called “cycle tracks,” barrier-protected bikeways providing safe passage on higher-speed roads and highways.

Per law as of Jan. 1, 2017, Pedego bikes will be required to have a specific type of permanently affixed sticker that clearly shows their designation as Type 2. Irvine-based Pedego Electric Bikes has already created the stickers and is offering them free of cost to existing Pedego owners. California residents who own Pedego bikes are encouraged to visit their local dealers to receive a free sticker for each of their bikes.

“We consider this a big win for electric bikes and for our Pedego owners in particular,” noted DiCostanzo.  “Pedego riders can rest assured that they’re welcome on California bike paths and can continue to enjoy the fun, exercise and ability to commute on California’s thousands of miles of bike paths.”

About Pedego

Pedego® Electric Bikes, the world’s premier electric bicycle brand, transforms people’s lives with fun and an abundance of delightful moments. Pedego’s stylish, colorful bikes boast the latest in electric bicycle technology and deliver a green alternative for transportation, exercise and recreation. Riders sail up hills and breeze through headwinds! Pedego “pedal or not” models include the Comfort Cruiser, City Commuter and Trail Tracker. Hailing from Orange County, Calif., Pedego is the fastest growing electric bicycle company in the world. Pedego electric bikes are sold in more than 800 stores in 40 countries. For more information, please visit https://pedegoelectricbikes.com/.