A new California law taking effect next year will prohibit the sale of mobile applications that allow users to modify the speeds of their electric bicycles. AB 545, introduced by Assemblymember Laurie Davies, was signed by Governor Newsom in July and is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026.
According to the bill text, current law only prohibits the sale of a ‘product or device’ that modifies e-bike speeds beyond legal limits. AB 545 adds “applications” to existing law to seal the loophole.
The Marin County Board of Supervisors expressed their support for the bill in a statement, noting that “For Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, that speed limit is 20mph. For Class 3 e-bikes, the legal motor-assisted speed limit is 28mph. Yet our school and law enforcement partners have encountered instances of e-bikes modified—sometimes via mobile apps—to reach speeds of 40 to 50 mph.”
The City of Laguna Niguel also expressed their support for the bill: “The City of Laguna Niguel believes AB 544 and AB 545 are proactive measures in addressing the safety concerns associated with electric bicycles while balancing the needs of all user groups.”
AB 545 was approved alongside a related bill, AB 544, which will require e-bikes to be equipped with a red reflector at all times of the day. Both laws are set to go into effect January 1, 2026.
