New California Senate Bill 1167

[PedalUma]

Another new California e-bike bill was just introduced, now with broader support

California lawmakers are once again turning their attention to electric two-wheelers, but this time the approach looks more targeted –...

electrek.co

 

[Chargeride]

So the Amflow could be classed as an emoto?

 

[Base]

So the Amflow could be classed as an emoto?

they are looking at the nominal watts drawn not the peak.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

So the Amflow could be classed as an emoto?

Amflow has no throttle and I'm sure it would be limited to at least Class 3.
@Johnny: Was the Avinox e-bike you've tried Class 1 or 3?

 

[Chargeride]

I wonder how long the nominal watts nonsense will survive.
A sort of mass legislation denial designed to fool whoever?

Yeah its max continous is 250, but if you press this button it becomes 1000.

 

[Base]

its the same with gas powered cars for a long time, measure the db and power at 3500 rpm to get it passed on the norms...

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

I was generally in favor of the California ebike bill that went into effect at the beginning of 2026. Also in favor of this proposed clarification.

But I do have a quibble with both. Like many others, I was concerned that the existing bill set a 750W limit on legal ebike motor power without specifying how that 750W rating would be determined. Was it continuous, peak, nominal, or something else?

And after seaching this proposed bill 1167 on "750", I'm disappointed to see that it does nothing to clarify this ambiguity.

Now, I'm well aware of the vagaries of power ratings on ebikes. And with such a technical quagmire, no surprise that lawmakers decided to stay out of it. But setting a 750W limit without further clarification leaves us at the mercy of authorities who might decide that the 750W limit refers to peak power.

The lawmaker behind this new proposal happens to be my state senator. She's a thoughtful person, and I have a lot of respect for her. I'll let you know what happens when I call her office about this issue.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

they are looking at the nominal watts drawn not the peak.

Where does this proposed bill 1167 say that?

 

[Chargeride]

It should just be a speed limit, though traction control would be perfect to stop trenching and improve tech climbing.
Probably run off ABS, I'd be fine with that tech as long as it wasnt wired in to a limp mode if it stops working.

 

[stompandgo]

The Amflow PL maximum assist speed is set at the Class 1 maximum of your country. However, if you buy it from an authorized dealer (not grey market out of country), you can switch it to Class 3 on the computer. The new Amflow model is out within a few days. We will also see DJI powered bikes from mainstream manufacturers as well.

 

[PedalUma]

The Amflow PL maximum assist speed is set at the Class 1 maximum of your country. However, if you buy it from an authorized dealer (not grey market out of country), you can switch it to Class 3 on the computer. The new Amflow model is out within a few days. We will also see DJI powered bikes from mainstream manufacturers as well.

That is an impressive bike. It is almost like it is 20 years ahead of bikes from 5-years-ago. What is weird is that at the same time fat folder throwbacks from 2009 are still being sold today. It is like when three or four species of hominids lived in the same place and time. One is doing textiles, ceramics and starting metallurgy and another does not have fire.

 

[Gionnirocket]

... or like 15 years ahead of the bikes of today.
Can I give you a light?

 

[PedalUma]

https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB1167/2025

(a) Electric bicycles not only offer a solution to car dependency and transportation poverty, but also help reduce our carbon footprint. As California moves away from its dependence on fossil fuels, we will continue to see a rise in zero-emission modes of transportation, including, but not limited to, electric bicycles.

(b) Electric bicycles reduce barriers in encouraging more people to ride bicycles and play a significant factor in replacing car trips in order to meet our goals of shifting to alternative modes of transportation, reducing the number of motor vehicle miles traveled, and improving our climate.

(c) Other electric cycles, including motor-driven cycles, mopeds, and “e-motos” are not legal electric bicycles because of their excessive speed and power, are designed and marketed as “e-bikes” to children on social media, and are gaining popularity. Nearly 90 percent of electric devices observed at the bike racks of local schools in Counties of San Mateo and Marin in 2025 were “e-motos,” not legal electric bicycles.

(d) Many devices are being deceptively marketed as class 2 or class 3 electric bicycles and do not fit into the legal classification of either class because the equipped motor is more powerful than the legally authorized 750 watts or because the advertised top assisted speed is above the legal limit of 20 or 28 miles per hour, respectively.