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AB 2346

Vehicles: electric bicycles and speed limits.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Berman and 4 co-sponsors

AB 2346 requires e-bikes to include speedometers and front/rear lights by 2029, adds required labeling/disclosures, and lets local authorities set speed limits on bike paths.

Referred to Com. on APPR.
#vehicles #electricbicyclesandspeedlimits
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 2346

Summary of AB 2346 (2025-2026) — California Vehicles: Electric Bicycles and Speed Limits

Purpose and intent

AB 2346 seeks to modernize and tighten consumer information, equipment requirements, and speed-related rules for electric bicycles (e-bikes) in California. It adds labeling, in-packaging disclosures, required speedometer and lighting on certain e-bikes, and clarifies local authority power to regulate speeds on bicycle paths and multiuse trails. The bill also tightens age-related use rules for minors and creates civil penalties for noncompliance with the new disclosures and equipment standards.

Key provisions and changes

  • E-bike speedometers and lighting (effective January 1, 2029)

    • All class 1 and class 2 e-bikes manufactured, sold, or offered for sale on or after Jan 1, 2029 must have a speedometer.
    • All e-bikes manufactured, sold, or offered for sale on or after Jan 1, 2029 must have:
    • An integrated front lamp (white light) visible 300 feet ahead and to the sides while moving.
    • A rear lamp (red light) visible 300 feet behind and to the sides while moving.

  • Labeling and disclosures (effective upon enactment)

    • Manufacturers/distributors must apply a permanent label to each e-bike with classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage (Arial, at least 9-point font).
    • Packaging must include a written description of California’s e-bike laws.
    • Sellers/distributors must disclose, at or before sale:
    • The e-bike classification, maximum speed, continuous/peak wattage, and any age restrictions.
    • Helmet requirements for e-bikes.
    • A prominent warning disclosure about tampering with speed capabilities and potential licensing/registration implications (quoted language provided in the bill).
    • Civil penalties: up to $15,000 for the first violation and up to $50,000 for each subsequent violation (non-criminal offense).

  • Local authority speed limits on bike paths and multiuse trails (new sections 21214.8 and 21214.9)

    • Local governments may set speed limits:
    • Bicycle paths: 15 or 20 mph.
    • Multiuse trails: 10, 15, or 20 mph.
    • Adequate signage required: limits must be posted within 400 feet of each end of the restricted zone.

  • Youth safety provision (new section 21214.9)

    • A person under 16 may not ride a self-propelled electric bicycle at speeds over 15 mph on a highway or bicycle path, unless they hold a department-issued instruction permit.

  • Prima facie speed limits (amendments to Section 22352)

    • A new specific provision sets a 10 mph prima facie limit for sidewalks (in addition to existing limits).
    • Maintains 15 mph on certain locations (e.g., Class IV bikeways) and 25 mph in most built-up or non-designated areas, with exceptions for school zones and senior centers as currently defined.
    • Some provisions regarding school zones and senior centers are retained with a 2031 sunset on certain speed-limit structures (existing framework continues with amendments).

  • Enforcement and penalties

    • Violations related to the new labeling/disclosures carry civil penalties; violations under the new labeling/packing requirements are not criminal offenses.
    • The act contemplates state-mandated local program implications but notes no reimbursement is required for local agencies under the measure.

Who or what would be affected

  • Electric bicycle manufacturers and distributors

    • New labeling, packaging disclosures, and post-sale information requirements.
    • Compliance with speedometer and lighting requirements for e-bikes sold after 2029.

  • Sellers and distributors

    • Must provide specific disclosures at or before point of sale.
    • Must ensure compliance with labeling requirements.

  • Local governments and road authorities

    • Granted authority to set local speed limits for bicycle paths and multiuse trails (with signage).
    • Signage placement requirements and potential for Active Transportation Program or other grants to fund signing.

  • Consumers and riders (including minors)

    • Clear expectations on e-bike capabilities, safety equipment, and age-based usage rules.
    • New age-related speed limit constraint for riders under 16.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date for core equipment (speedometer and lighting) is January 1, 2029.
  • Signage and local-speed-limit provisions operate under local authority with mandated signage timing (400 feet visibility requirement around restricted zones).
  • The bill includes a 2031 sunset for certain broader speed-limit provisions related to school zones and senior-area signage, similar to other temporary speed-limit structures, unless extended.
  • The measure includes standard California constitution reimbursement language, indicating no state reimbursement to local agencies for costs arising from the new crime/infraction definitions or penalties.

Overall assessment

AB 2346 adds consumer-facing and rider-safety measures (speedometer, front/rear lighting, explicit labeling and disclosures) and expands local control over e-bike speeds on shared-use corridors. It strengthens safety communications and could influence e-bike design and retail practices starting in 2029, while also codifying targeted speed restrictions for younger riders and specific environments.

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

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