Sep 9 Request for Governor Signature on SB 1271, E-Bike Sales

September 9, 2024
The Honorable Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Senate Bill 1271 (Min): Electric bicycles, powered mobility devices, and storage batteries – Request for Signature

Dear Governor Newsom,

On behalf of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to respectfully urge your signature on Senate Bill 1271 (Min). This bill enhances e-bike safety by clarifying classifications, establishing safety standards for batteries, and introducing new labeling and advertising requirements.

SB 1271 provides clearer definitions for Class 1 and Class 3 electric bicycles. Class 1 e-bikes will only provide motor assistance while the rider is pedaling and must stop assistance at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes follow the same rule but stop assistance at 28 mph. Importantly, the motor on both classes cannot exclusively propel the bicycle, except at very low speeds, ensuring these bikes adhere to their intended functionality and safety standards.

The bill also prohibits advertising, selling, or labeling any product as an "electric bicycle" if it does not meet the defined specifications, preventing vehicles that function more like electric motorcycles from being marketed as e-bikes. Additionally, SB 1271 requires manufacturers and sellers to ensure batteries and charging systems for e-bikes meet stringent safety standards, and mandates clear labels confirming compliance with these standards.

Marin County is deeply committed to promoting e-bike safety, particularly for school-aged children. This year, Marin sponsored AB 1778, which would create a voluntary pilot program to allow only Class 1 e-bike use for riders under 16 and require helmets for all Class 3 riders. The need for more safety regulations is evident: from 2019 to 2022, 911 responses in Marin for bicycle-related incidents increased by 110% among youth, and e-bike accident rates for 10- to 15-year-olds are 5x higher than for other age groups (marinhhs.org/bicycle-safety).

We believe SB 1271’s safety provisions will complement AB 1778, ensuring safer e-bike usage across California. For these reasons, we respectfully request your signature on SB 1271.

Sincerely,

Dennis Rodoni

President, Marin County Board of Supervisors

CC:      Marin County Board of Supervisors
Senator Dave Min
Senator Mike McGuire
Assemblymember Damon Connolly