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Amazon Pulls 40+ MPH E-Bikes from California Market

5/12/2026

Summary

Amazon Halts E-bikes

Amazon will stop selling high-speed electric motorbikes in California that exceed state e-bike limits.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert defining three e-bike classes, capping throttle-assist at 20 mph and pedal-assist at 28 mph.
Amazon removed listings advertising speeds above 40 mph, including a 43 mph model, and is reviewing other third-party listings.
A recent fatal crash killed a 60-year-old woman after she was struck by a teen on an e-bike.

Summary

California Tightens E-bikes

California law now lets officers seize e-bikes for at least two days and, under 2026 rules, requires rear lights to stay lit while adding battery-certification standards to cut fire risk.
Tommi Jo Mejer, 50, faces involuntary manslaughter and other charges after her teen son’s illegal e-motorcycle ride killed Ed Ashman, 81.
State data show e-bike injuries rose 430% in Southern California over four years, prompting harsher penalties.

History

Historical Context

California’s 2019 Assembly Bill 1096, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, codified three e-bike classes and capped throttle-assist at 20 mph, echoing Maryland’s 2014 class-system law and the 2016 California Vehicle Code limit of 750 watts. The rule gave police authority to seize bikes, prompting Amazon’s removal of 43 mph listings after AG Rob Bonta’s consumer alert.

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Amazon Halts E-bikes

Amazon will stop selling high-speed electric motorbikes in California that exceed state e-bike limits.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert defining three e-bike classes, capping throttle-assist at 20 mph and pedal-assist at 28 mph.
Amazon removed listings advertising speeds above 40 mph, including a 43 mph model, and is reviewing other third-party listings.
A recent fatal crash killed a 60-year-old woman after she was struck by a teen on an e-bike.

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