Body of News Release
San Rafael, CA – Community members have two opportunities in the next month to provide direct feedback on how the federal government should address safety regulations for e-bikes.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is taking public comment until Wednesday, April 24, on what its consumer protection policy priorities should be for the next two years. The commission also released an “Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” on e-bike safety and is requesting comments by Tuesday, May 14.
The CPSC has the authority to regulate the safety, use, and manufacturing of e-bikes under two federal acts: the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and the Consumer Product Safety Act. The commission can also set separate regulations for riders under the age of 16.
Marin County Supervisor Mary Sackett, who in January met with two of the five CPSC commissioners in Washington D.C., noted the importance of collecting public feedback before widespread decisions are made.
“I hear from many community members that while they are supportive of our local work, they want to see e-bike safety regulations at the federal level to address manufacturers and distributors targeting youth,” Sackett said. “This opportunity to provide comment to the CPSC is that direct channel so many have been asking for.”
The County has worked closely with State Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) to sponsor Assembly Bill 1778. If signed, it will create a pilot program in Marin to prohibit children under 16 from operating Class 2 e-bikes and will require all ages of Class 2 riders to wear helmets.
“I encourage all community members to speak up and ask the commission to regulate e-bike safety at the federal level,” Connolly said. “With my bill we can work toward creating safer and more sustainable communities across the country.”
Marin County has a vested interest in e-bike safety. In fall 2023, the County began collecting data on reported e-bike injuries, which showed that in first five months of collection that e-bikes were involved in 22% of all 911 bicycle accidents – and 71% of all 911 calls for school-aged children. The accident rate for 10- to 15-year-olds was 10 times higher than other age groups.
In December, Marin County Public Health issued an e-bike safety alert. The alert strongly encouraged families with young children to choose Class 1 e-bikes with manual foot pedals and without hand throttles for young riders. Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle, do not require pedal assist, and may pose greater risks to young riders who may not be well-versed in the rules of the road.
The CPSC’s Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is out now, and comments are due May 14.
Additionally, the CPSC has its annual Agenda and Priorities meeting on May 8, during which the agency will set its “policy priorities” for consumer protection for the federal fiscal years 2025 and 2026. Request to testify at the hearing (hybrid and in-person), and/or written comments are due to [email protected] by April 24.