By Shawn Henry 
California lawmakers are advancing a new proposal that would require certain electric bicycles to be registered with the state and display license plates, following a sharp rise in e-bike-related accidents. The measure, known as the E-Bike Accountability Act, would apply to Class II and Class III e-bikes and require owners to register them with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Riders would also be required to carry proof of ownership matching the bike’s serial number to help identify operators in the event of a crash.
The proposal comes after a dramatic spike in e-bike accidents across California in recent years. According to data from the American College of Surgeons, reported e-bike accidents in the state increased 18.6 times over a five-year span. In 2018, there were 184 recorded incidents. By 2023, that number had surged to 3,429. Authorities and medical professionals say the scale of that increase has forced a closer look at how these vehicles are used and regulated on public roads and pathways.
In response to the growing numbers, California already passed SB-1271 in 2025, a law that limits the power and performance parameters of certain e-bikes. The law caps motorized assistance for Class I e-bikes at 20 miles per hour and establishes additional operating requirements. Many entry-level electric bikes currently on the market top out around 22 miles per hour, placing them close to regulatory thresholds. Faster models, particularly higher-class e-bikes, can reach significantly higher speeds depending on configuration.
The new E-Bike Accountability Act shifts focus from performance limits to traceability and enforcement. Under the proposed system, qualifying bikes would carry state-issued plates similar to those required for motorcycles and cars. Registration records would tie each bike to a specific owner, allowing law enforcement to identify riders involved in collisions or violations. Supporters of the bill argue that the lack of registration has made it difficult for officers to hold riders accountable after incidents, especially when operators leave the scene.
Law enforcement officials report frequent cases where riders operate outside safe boundaries, including excessive speed and disregard for traffic rules. Without visible identification or registration records, tracking down those involved can be challenging. Authorities say the new requirements would provide a mechanism to connect a specific rider to a specific vehicle during investigations. The goal is not to eliminate e-bikes from public roads, but to address what officials describe as an enforcement gap.
Medical professionals are also weighing in as injury numbers climb. Trauma teams in parts of California have reported a significant rise in injuries involving e-bike and e-scooter riders, as well as pedestrians struck by them. In some areas, hospitals have treated double the number of such injuries compared to the previous year. Doctors report a range of trauma cases tied to higher-speed impacts, particularly when protective gear is limited.
Speed is a key factor in the debate. While many consumer e-bikes comply with federal regulations limiting motors to 750 watts and requiring operable pedals, faster and more powerful configurations exist. Some of the quickest e-bikes on the market can exceed 30 miles per hour. Conversion kits, widely available online, can significantly increase both wattage and top speed. Certain aftermarket setups advertise output as high as 5,000 watts, with potential speeds reaching 45 miles per hour. A modified electric bicycle traveling at those speeds can close distance quickly and dramatically increase impact force in a collision.
Investigators have expressed concern that modified bikes operating beyond federal limits are difficult to track. Because they often resemble compliant models, enforcement becomes more complicated once alterations are made. By tying registration and serial numbers to specific owners, the proposed bill aims to close that accountability gap. Riders found operating outside legal power limits could face penalties tied directly to their registered vehicles.
The broader e-bike market continues to expand as consumers look for alternative transportation options. Many mainstream models offer moderate performance figures, including 750-watt motors, ranges approaching 65 miles on a single charge, and top speeds around 28 miles per hour. Those specifications place them in higher performance categories compared to traditional pedal bicycles, yet still within regulated limits when unmodified. The rapid growth of this segment has outpaced earlier regulatory frameworks, prompting lawmakers to update oversight mechanisms.
For law enforcement and emergency responders, the stakes are practical. When accidents happen, identifying the responsible rider quickly can affect medical response, insurance claims, and potential criminal charges. Registration systems have long been used for cars and motorcycles for that reason. The proposed legislation would extend similar identification tools to a defined class of electric bicycles without reclassifying them as full motor vehicles.
The E-Bike Accountability Act is still a proposal and has not yet been fully enacted. If approved, it would mark a significant shift in how California treats higher-class electric bicycles from an administrative standpoint. Riders of Class II and Class III bikes would need to complete registration through the DMV and comply with plate display requirements. Enforcement agencies would gain access to registration databases for investigative purposes.
California’s accident data shows the issue is no longer marginal. An increase from fewer than 200 incidents to more than 3,400 within five years represents a major change in roadway dynamics. Lawmakers are responding with measures focused on identification and compliance rather than outright bans. As the bill moves forward, riders and retailers alike will be watching closely to see how registration requirements reshape the state’s rapidly growing e-bike landscape.
The proposal remains under consideration, and further legislative action will determine whether the registration and plate requirements become mandatory statewide.
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John Lloyd 
Eve Nowell