WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 2595

Vehicles: electric bicycles.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Diane Papan

San Mateo County could temporarily bar under-12s from riding Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, with staged penalties, family liability, training options, data reporting, and a 2031 sunset.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (April 20). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
#vehicles #electricbicycles
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 2595

Summary of AB 2595 (2025-2026) – Vehicles: electric bicycles (San Mateo Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program)

Overview and purpose

  • AB 2595, introduced by Assembly Member Papan, proposes a temporary pilot program in San Mateo County (including unincorporated areas) to regulate the operation of certain electric bicycles (e-bikes) by very young riders.
  • The bill would authorize a local authority in San Mateo County to prohibit individuals under 12 years old from operating Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycles, and to enforce the prohibition with a staged penalty structure.
  • The pilot is limited in time and purpose: it would be in effect until January 1, 2031, with reporting requirements to the Legislature and a required public information campaign prior to enactment.

Key provisions and changes

  • Enabling authority (new Vehicle Code section 21214.9):
    • A local authority within San Mateo County, or the county itself in unincorporated areas, may adopt an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 12 from operating a Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycle.
    • Class 1 e-bikes: motor provides pedal-assist up to 20 mph.
    • Class 2 e-bikes: motor can propel the bike without pedaling, up to 20 mph (no pedal-assist requirement).
  • Enforcement and penalties:
    • First 60 days after the prohibition takes effect: violations are punishable by a warning notice.
    • After 60 days: violations are infractions punishable by a $25 fine.
    • A parent or legal guardian of an unemancipated minor who violates the ordinance is jointly and severally liable for the fine.
  • Exemptions and incentives:
    • If a parent/guardian provides proof within 120 days that the minor completed an electric bicycle safety and training program (per Streets and Highways Code §894), the violation record would not be transmitted to the court, and no citation fee would be imposed.
  • Reporting requirements:
    • If the ordinance is adopted, the county must prepare and submit a detailed report to the Legislature by January 1, 2030, covering:
    • Total traffic stops for violations of the ordinance, results (warning vs. citation, property seizure, arrests), and specifics about any stops where the rider was under 12 but over the age limit.
    • Details of warnings/citations issued, descriptions of violations, and demographic information observed during stops (race/ethnicity, gender, approximate age) based on officer observation.
    • Peace officer actions during stops (consent to search, search basis and items found, seizure details, etc.).
    • Statistical data on training-in-lieu-of-fines (numbers who chose training, completed training).
    • Data on crashes involving riders under 12 operating Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes (before and after adoption), including crash causes and the e-bike class.
    • All reports must comply with Government Code § 9795 (standard state reporting framework).
  • Public information campaign:
    • Local authorities must conduct a public information campaign for at least 30 calendar days prior to enacting the ordinance or resolution, using major media outlets and press releases.
  • Sunset and repeal:
    • The section (the San Mateo Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program) would remain in effect only until January 1, 2031, at which time it would be repealed.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: residents and visitors of San Mateo County (including unincorporated areas) operating Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycles.
  • Specifically, children under 12 would be restricted from operating these e-bikes under an adopted local ordinance.
  • Parents/guardians of affected minors would bear financial liability for fines if violations occur (joint and several liability).
  • Local law enforcement and county staff would implement enforcement, collect data, and administer the safety training option.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Status: Introduced February 20, 2026; moved through committee with a “do pass” and re-reference to Appropriations, then to APPR (as of April 21, 2026).
  • Effective period: The pilot operates through January 1, 2031.
  • Reporting deadline: A comprehensive legislative report due by January 1, 2030, with detailed data on enforcement, safety outcomes, and crashes.
  • Pre-enactment requirement: A minimum 30-day public information campaign before enacting any ordinance or resolution.

Bottom-line

AB 2595 would create a temporary, locality-specific safety pilot in San Mateo County to restrict under-12 operation of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, establish a staged enforcement approach (warning then $25 fine), require family liability for fines, and mandate extensive
data reporting to the Legislature plus a pre-enactment public information push. The program would expire in 2031 unless extended or renewed through subsequent legislation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.