Orange County is intensifying efforts to regulate e-bikes amid growing safety concerns. Residents and officials have raised alarms about the risks posed by reckless e-bike riding, particularly in coastal towns and South County. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed several state bills aimed at enhancing e-bike safety.
Assemblymembers Laurie Davies and Diane Dixon, both representing Orange County, spearheaded these legislative efforts. One of the new laws, AB 965, prohibits the sale of class 3 e-bikes to individuals under 16, aligning with existing laws that restrict minors from riding these faster models. Additionally, AB 544 mandates e-bikes to have rear reflectors or lights, enhancing visibility at night.
The crackdown extends to banning products that modify e-bike speeds. AB 1744, introduced by Dixon, aims to prevent the sale of devices or apps that increase e-bike speeds beyond legal limits. This measure addresses concerns over modified e-bikes that can exceed safe speed thresholds.
Local officials are also taking action. Yorba Linda’s city council is set to discuss additional regulations on e-bikes, reflecting a broader countywide push for safer roads. The rise in e-bike usage has prompted these legislative actions, as officials seek to balance the popularity of e-bikes with public safety concerns.
The new laws are part of a larger effort to manage the increasing presence of e-bikes on Orange County’s streets, boardwalks, and trails.
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