File:EBikes in California.jpg

http://www.calbike.org/ebikesandcalbike/

http://www.peopleforbikes.org/

On Oct. 7, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1096 that gives two of the three classes of electric bikes the right to access bike paths and bike lanes. This is the first of its kind of legislation in the country, and it is a sign that e-bikes are coming of age.

AB 1096, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2016, divides electric bikes into three classes:

• Type 1: Pedal-assisted machines with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph
• Type 2: Throttle-assisted machines with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph;
• Type 3: Pedal-assisted bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

With AB 1096, you can ride an e-bike almost anywhere you can ride a bicycle. But remember, all the traffic laws – from stop signs to traffic signals and to phone and text use and from riding with traffic and having working brakes, handlebars, and lights on your bike – all apply to you on your e-bike.

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