Amazon has decided to stop selling high-speed electric bicycles in California that exceed the legal limits for electric bicycles in the state, marking a major crackdown on the blurred line between electric bicycles and electric motorcycles.
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This decision follows California Attorney General Rob Bondato riders, retailers and online marketplaces that legal electric bikes in California must comply with the state’s three-category e-bike system. Under California law, e-bikes with throttle control are limited to 20 mph (32 km/h), while Class 3 pedal-assisted bikes can go up to 28 mph (45 km/h).
Anything faster falls into the category of mopeds or motorcycles, which require additional licenses, registration, insurance, and age restrictions.
Despite these regulations, a search on Amazon revealed numerous “electric bikes” advertised with top speeds exceeding 40 mph, often with motorcycle-like designs and questionable compliance claims.
After reaching out to KCRA 3 Investigates, Amazon confirmed that it is now requiring third-party sellers to comply with California regulations and Amazon’s policies regarding e-bike categories. The company has already removed some listings and is investigating others for compliance.
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The crackdown highlights a growing problem in the e-bike industry, as increasingly powerful machines flood online marketplaces. Many of these bikes are advertised as electric bikes, despite the fact that their performance clearly exceeds the legal definition of an e-bike in almost every state. Critics often call them “hooligan bikes” – fast, heavy electric two-wheelers that are often ridden by minors without a license, training or protective gear.
This situation has also frustrated legitimate e-bike manufacturers that comply with regulations and safety standards. Companies that produce genuine Category 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes argue that loosely regulated, high-speed models threaten both rider safety and public perception of the e-bike industry in general.
Whether Amazon's move will significantly change the market remains to be seen, as many of these bikes are still widely available through direct-import websites and smaller online retailers. However, California's push on major markets could signal a broader shift toward stricter enforcement nationwide.
The presence of these bikes on the road is a big problem, especially as they are often ridden by young people who may not understand traffic rules. Stopping their sale at the point of purchase makes sense.
While it's understandable to restrict these bikes from public roads, it does raise questions about their use on private property. It seems odd that Amazon would stop selling them in California altogether, as they could potentially be used on private property.
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Overall, while this action raises awareness about the issue of high-performance electric motorcycles that look like bicycles, the best solution may be strict enforcement. If someone is operating illegal vehicles on public roads, they should face consequences. This approach could help promote legal e-bikes and reduce the presence of powerful off-road motorcycles on public roads.
