Why Los Angeles Critical Mass Supports This Important Legislation

Los Angeles Critical Mass has always been rooted in pedal power. For more than two decades, our movement has celebrated the simple, human act of moving through the city under your own strength — cyclists of all ages, all backgrounds, all bikes, riding together as one community.

But we also live in a moment of rapid change. E‑bikes have exploded across Los Angeles, reshaping how people commute, get to school, work deliveries, and participate in community rides. And while e‑bikes have opened the door for thousands of new riders, we can’t ignore the growing confusion and safety issues caused by the rise of high‑powered electric motor vehicles — often called “e‑motos” — being sold and marketed as if they were bicycles.

These machines look like bikes, but they behave like motorcycles. They can reach 40–60 mph, weigh far more than a standard e‑bike, and require the same training, licensing, and safety equipment as motor vehicles. Yet they are being sold online and in stores as “Class 2 e‑bikes,” often to kids.

This confusion affects everyone:

• riders
• parents
• schools
• retailers
• law enforcement
• and community rides like LACM
  
  California needed clarity — and that’s exactly what SB 1167 delivers.

What SB 1167 Actually Does

SB 1167 is a truth‑in‑advertising and safety bill. It does not ban e‑bikes. It does not criminalize riders. It does not restrict access to legal Class 1, 2, or 3 e‑bikes.

Instead, the bill:

• Establishes a clear, enforceable definition of an electric bicycle
• Prohibits manufacturers and retailers from marketing motor vehicles as e‑bikes
• Requires accurate labeling and disclosures for electric mopeds and motor‑driven cycles
• Ensures high‑powered devices meet appropriate safety standards
• Protects consumers — especially youth — from deceptive sales practices
  
  The enforcement targets manufacturers, importers, and sellers, not everyday riders.

Why This Matters for California

E‑bikes are one of the most powerful tools we have for reducing car dependency, cutting emissions, and making mobility more equitable. But their reputation is being undermined by products that don’t belong in the same category.

When a 55‑mph electric motorcycle is sold as a “Class 2 e‑bike,” it harms:

• public safety
• consumer trust
• school environments
• legitimate e‑bike retailers
• and the broader movement toward sustainable transportation
  
  SB 1167 protects the future of e‑bikes by ensuring the category remains safe, trusted, and clearly defined.

The Statewide Coalition Behind SB 1167

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, a broad coalition of mobility and safety organizations has come together to support SB 1167. The bill is co‑sponsored by:

• California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike)
• Streets For All
• SAFE (Streets Are For Everyone)
• PeopleForBikes
  
  These organizations represent statewide advocacy, local safety leadership, national industry expertise, and community‑based mobility work. Their unified support reflects how critical this legislation is for California’s transportation future.

Why Los Angeles Critical Mass Supports SB 1167

Los Angeles Critical Mass is proud to stand with CalBike and the statewide coalition in supporting SB 1167. As a member of CalBike’s Policy Advisory Council, LACM brings the lived experience of cyclists on Los Angeles streets directly into statewide policy conversations. Our support for SB 1167 is rooted in that real‑world perspective and in our commitment to safe, inclusive, community‑centered cycling.

1. We are a pedal‑powered movement — and we want clarity for all riders.
   We welcome everyone, but our identity is built on bicycles. Clear definitions help preserve the integrity of cycling while still embracing the future of micromobility.
   
2. We want young riders to be safe.
   Kids deserve honest information about what they’re riding. They should not be unknowingly placed on motor vehicles disguised as bicycles.
   
3. We want e‑bikes to remain accessible and trusted.
   E‑bikes are transforming mobility in Los Angeles. Their future should not be jeopardized by unregulated products that misrepresent what an e‑bike is.
   
4. We want clarity for our community rides.
   LACM brings together riders of all ages and skill levels. Clear definitions help us maintain safe group rides and reduce confusion with law enforcement and the public.
   
5. We want to protect working‑class riders.
   Many riders purchase what they can afford, trusting sellers to be honest. SB 1167 ensures they receive accurate information about the devices they buy.
   
6. We want to strengthen statewide partnerships.
   Supporting SB 1167 aligns LACM with the organizations shaping California’s mobility policy — and positions us as a credible voice for riders across the state.

Our Commitment

Los Angeles Critical Mass will continue advocating for:

• safer streets
• better infrastructure
• youth education
• responsible micromobility
• and a city where everyone can ride freely and safely
  
  Supporting SB 1167 is one step toward that vision.

A Safer, Clearer Future for All Cyclists

SB 1167 is not about restricting riders — it’s about protecting them.
It’s about honesty in the marketplace, clarity in the law, and safety on our streets.

Los Angeles Critical Mass proudly supports SB 1167 because it strengthens the foundation of cycling in California — from pedal‑powered purists to new e‑bike riders discovering freedom on two wheels. By ensuring that e‑bikes remain clearly defined, safe, and trusted, we protect the future of sustainable mobility for everyone who rides.

We urge the Legislature to pass SB 1167 and help build a safer, clearer, and more equitable future for all riders across Los Angeles and the state.

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