Amazon Bans High-Speed E-Bikes in California Amid 430% Surge in Crashes

Amazon has announced it will halt sales of certain electric bikes capable of exceeding California’s legal e-bike speed limits. The decision comes as regulators and law enforcement crack down on high-powered electric motorcycles marketed as e-bikes.

Why Amazon Is Restricting Sales

Amazon’s policy change targets electric two-wheelers designed to outperform standard e-bikes. Under California law, pedal-assisted e-bikes are limited to 28 mph (45 km/h), while throttle-assisted models are capped at 20 mph (32 km/h). Many of these banned vehicles, often styled like dirt bikes, can reach speeds exceeding 60 mph (96 km/h).

While some manufacturers exploit loopholes by labeling these vehicles as e-bikes, state regulations require registration and age restrictions for any electric two-wheeler that exceeds legal speed limits.

Escalating E-Bike Crashes and Legal Consequences

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has highlighted the growing dangers. In Southern California alone, e-bike and e-motorcycle crashes and injuries have surged 430% over the past four years.

In a recent case, the Orange County District Attorney’s office filed manslaughter charges against the mother of a 14-year-old boy who struck and killed an 81-year-old pedestrian while riding an illegal electric motorcycle. Authorities reported that the mother had been repeatedly warned about the vehicle’s illegal status.

Industry and Advocacy Responses

“The things people are selling as e-bikes are clearly motorcycles, mopeds, off-road dirt bikes, or out-of-class devices that might have pedals. They can sell them as ‘e-bikes’ because they are electric and they are bikes, but they’re totally illegal for electric bicycles.”

— Bill Sellin, Orange County Bicycle Coalition, speaking to ABC 7

The surge in high-speed e-bike incidents has prompted calls for stricter enforcement and clearer regulations to distinguish between legal e-bikes and illegal motorcycles.