Assembly Bill 530 would make it illegal for people under 12 to ride e-bikes. It would require an online written test and state-issued identification for riders. The bill also would establish an e-bike training program.
AB 530, as amended, Boerner. County Water Authority Act: exclusion of territory: procedure. Vehicles: electric bicycles. Existing law defines an electric bicycle and classifies electric bicycles into 3 classes with different restrictions. Under existing law, an electric bicycle is a bicycle and rules pertaining to the operation of bicycles apply to electric bicycles. Existing law prohibits a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime. This bill would prohibit a person under 12 years of age from operating an electric bicycle of any class. The bill would state the intent of the Legislature to create an e-bike license program with an online written test and a state-issued photo identification for those persons without a valid driver’s license, prohibit persons under 12 years of age from riding e-bikes, and create a stakeholders working group composed of the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, the Transportation Agency, bicycle groups, policy and fiscal staff, and other relevant stakeholders to work on recommendations to establish an e-bike training program and license. Because the bill would prohibit certain persons from riding electric bicycles, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Track Bill with this link:
https://trackbill.com/bill/california-assembly-bill-530-vehicles-electric-bicycles/2360963/
SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Tasha Boerner issued the following statement today after authoring AB 530 to require a license for e-bike riders without an active driver’s license following a recent string of tragedies involving traffic safety.
In order to ensure the safety of our children while they’re riding e-bikes, AB 530 will:
- Require an online written test and a state-issued photo identification for those without a valid driver’s license.
- Prohibit persons under 12 years old from riding e-bikes.
- Create a stakeholders working group that includes the DMV, California Highway Patrol, the Transportation Agency, bike groups, and more to establish an e-bike training program and license, including more specifics on the classes and types of e-bikes.
As a mother and a legislator, I believe that we must act to prevent our youth from injuries and educate parents on the promise and responsibility of e-bikes, and AB 530 is another step to increase their safety while sharing the road. Not every parent is a bike rider that can ensure our youth receive proper training. This takes a real commitment from our communities and our State. It will be a long process, and AB 530 is a critical starting point that we’ll continue to work to develop through meetings with stakeholders this fall.
