Governor Signs E-Bike Safety Bills

Two new e-bike safety bills from Assemblymember Laurie Davies, R-Laguna Niguel, were signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom this week, marking a step forward in addressing California’s fast-changing transportation landscape. While the legislation aims to improve education and safety for e-bike riders..

The bills, introduced by Davies earlier this year, are designed to bring better regulation to the rapidly growing e-bike trend—particularly among young and inexperienced riders. They include provisions focused on rider education and traffic law awareness, especially for teens and first-time users.

“E-bikes are not going away,” said Davies in a recent statement. “It’s critical we make sure people know how to use them responsibly and safely.”

But for many pedestrians and drivers, e-bike safety remains a daily concern—especially when riders ignore the rules of the road. I, Jason Brown, was nearly hit by an e-bike rider speeding on a sidewalk outside a local business here in Bishop, CA.

If they had hit me, it would have been a hospital visit—or worse. I appreciate the new laws, but we need enforcement. Ride on the right side of the street. Stay off the sidewalks. These things aren’t toys.

As e-bike sales continue to rise, so too do reports of near misses, sidewalk collisions, and confusion over where e-bikes are allowed. Cities across California are grappling with how to balance mobility, sustainability, and public safety.

While the newly signed bills are a step in the right direction, many community members and local leaders are now calling for stronger enforcement, better signage, and public awareness campaigns to make sure the message is clear: e-bikes belong on the road, not the sidewalk—and safety is everyone’s responsibility.

The new laws go into effect on January 1, 2026