After deadly accidents, Amazon halts sales of high-speed e-bikes in California

Amazon will halt California sales of e-bikes with top speeds over local limits, as local communities report an increase in dangerous accidents and even deaths.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced the new commerce rule on Monday, stating that the online retailer is actively removing listings for high-speed bikes that don't comply with California regulations.

An Orange County mother appeared in court on Tuesday to face charges, including involuntary manslaughter, after her 14-year-old son struck and killed an 81-year-old man while the teen was riding an e-bike.

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Last month, California attorney general Rob Bonta and a coalition of state district attorneys issued a consumer alert on e-bike safety, calling attention to state laws that define and regulate two-wheeled vehicles. Under state law, "vehicles that go over 28 miles per hour with pedal assistance or 20 miles per hour with throttle assistance" fall under regulations for Class 3 vehicles, which differ from standard e-bikes.

Higher-speed two wheel vehicles face stricter licensing and age requirements, including, in some instances, operators being in possession of valid driver's licenses. Class 1 and Class 2 bikes, which max out at 20 mph either with or without throttle assistance, have no minimum age requirements. Riders of Class 3 vehicles, however, must be at least 16 years of age. Helmets are required for all classes.

"Sometimes, what looks like an e-bike or is marketed as an e-bike is not a bike at all," wrote Bonta in a press release. "We are seeing a surge of safety incidents on our sidewalks, parks, and streets. Bike riders and parents: If your or your teen's electric two-wheeled vehicle goes too fast, it might be a motorcycle or a moped — not an e-bike."