Amazon Halts Sales of Ebikes Over CA Speed Limits

Amazon has halted sales in California of electric bicycles exceeding the state's legal speed limits, following a consumer alert from Attorney General Rob Bonta and a series of fatal crashes involving high-speed vehicles misclassified as ebikes.

The retail giant confirmed it is removing listings for ebikes that surpass California's three-class system: Class 1 and Class 2 models, limited to 20 mph with pedal-assist or throttle assistance, and Class 3 pedal-assist bikes capped at 28 mph. Vehicles faster than these thresholds are classified as mopeds or motorcycles, requiring licensing, registration, insurance and minimum age restrictions. Amazon searches had previously revealed numerous third-party listings advertising top speeds over 40 mph, often featuring motorcycle-style frames and powerful motors.

The decision follows Bonta's April alert, which warned retailers and consumers that some two-wheeled electric vehicles marketed as ebikes do not qualify under state law. "Sometimes, what looks like an ebike or is marketed as an ebike is not a bike at all," Bonta said. "We are seeing a surge of safety incidents on our sidewalks, parks and streets."

Recent incidents underscore the...