California Bill SB 1167 Would Draw Clear Lines Between E-Bikes and High-Power E-Motos

Overview

• State Sen. Catherine Blakespear introduced SB 1167 with support from the California Bicycle Coalition, People for Bikes, Streets for All, and Streets are for Everyone.
• The bill reaffirms that an electric bicycle must have fully operable pedals and a motor rated at 750 watts or less, with mislabeling subject to false advertising enforcement.
• It updates definitions for mopeds and motor-driven cycles with clearer power and top-speed thresholds and adds equipment, licensing, and age rules for higher-powered machines.
• Manufacturers and sellers would have to disclose when vehicles are not e-bikes, and off-highway electric motorcycles would need identification plates and independent lab certification.
• Legal Class 1–3 e-bikes would not face new requirements for license plates, registration, or insurance, distinguishing SB 1167 from broader proposals such as AB 1942.