California has adopted the most progressive electric bike regulations in the nation, setting the groundwork for a potential revolution in transportation. Crucially, they establish workable power limits, and they maintain access to most existing bicycle infrastructure. State bills are also in the works to create incentive programs for electric bike purchases similar to those available for electric vehicles.
The reasons that this is a big deal is something I will go into more in a later post. Electric bicycles have incredible practical advantages over both pedal-bikes and automobiles. They address most of the disadvantages of pedaling a bicycle, such as sweat, hills & fitness, and excessively hot weather. They have finally declined in cost enough for reliable and fast bikes to be available to nearly all. And so they have potential to proliferate in our cities, suburbs, and rural areas, creating relief from oppressive transportation costs and promoting a more active and peaceful urban streetscape.
See link for the complete rundown on the CA regulations.
