Amazon has announced that it will stop selling e-bikes in California that can travel quickly enough to exceed state speed limits.
California has seen a sharp rise in fatal crashes involving electric bikes in 2026. Now, Amazon has become the first major retailer to restrict sales of e-bikes, following pressure from California officials.
Why Amazon is Pulling High-Speed E-Bikes
There have been several high-profile incidents in California in recent weeks. In April, a teenager on an e-bike struck 81-year-old veteran Ed Ashman as he crossed the street in Lake Forest.
Witnesses allegedly spotted the 14-year-old rider doing wheelies on a Surron e-motorcycle near El Toro High School before the crash.
The victim succumbed to his injuries two weeks later. Prosecutors charged the teen rider’s mother with involuntary manslaughter for allowing her son to illegally ride the motorcycle, which is too powerful to qualify as an e-bike.
In a separate incident, a 13-year-old boy died after crashing an e-motorcycle in Garden Grove. The youngster was believed to be driving at about 35 mph when he crashed into a center median.
These are only the most recent incidents. And, in both cases, the e-bike devices were being operated by minors at speeds exceeding the California limit for e-bikes.
What are the California E-Bike Limits?
California law has categorized legal e-bikes into three distinct classes, depending on how they are powered and how quickly they can travel.
Anything faster is legally classified as a moped or a motorcycle, and shares more similarities with a dirt bike than a traditional pedal-operated bicycle.
Faster devices that can exceed 28 mph require DMV registration, insurance, a motorcycle license, and often carry minimum age restrictions.
In some cases, manufacturers have marketed the more powerful machines as e-bikes, despite their capabilities, causing confusion for buyers and parents.
Amazon’s Decision
The recent incidents have sparked pressure from officials, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. They have asked retailers to better distinguish true e-bikes from higher-speed electric motorcycles.
Amazon has responded by preventing third-party retailers from listing non-compliant bikes in California. The retail giant has acknowledged that it cannot verify buyer age or licensing. It remains to be seen whether any other retailers follow.
Legal Rights for E-Bike Crash Victims in California
If you’ve been hit by an e-bike, an electric motorcycle, or a similar type of vehicle in California, you have legal options.
Victims and their families can file a claim or a lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The at-fault parties will depend on the circumstances of the e-bike accident. Potential liable parties include:
- The e-bike rider.
- Their parents or guardians, if the rider is a minor.
- Retailers or online sellers.
- Manufacturers, if the accident was caused by poor design or construction.
Victims can also seek compensation even if they shared some fault, according to California’s comparative negligence laws.
If you have been involved in an accident involving an electric bike:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
- Document everything – take photos of the scene, the bike, any injuries, and collect witness information.
- Report the incident to the police.
- Contact an experienced California e-bike accident lawyer.
How Bisnar Chase Can Help
Amazon’s policy change is a positive step, but enforcement, education, and accountability are essential. E-bikes are the fastest-rising cause of accidents and injuries, and it is easy to see why.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an electric bike or e-motorcycle accident, you need an experienced legal team on your side to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Bisnar Chase has a 99% success rate and offers a free consultation and a no win, no fee promise.
Brian Chase
Articles, blogs, and content have been reviewed by legal in-house staff. Brian Chase is the managing partner of Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP. He is the lead trial lawyer and oversees cases handling dangerous and defective products that injure consumers. Brian is a top-rated injury attorney with numerous legal honors and awards for his work relating to auto defects and dangerous products. His firm has recovered over $1B for its clients. Brian is a frequent speaker for CAOC, Dordick Trial College, and OCTLA, covering personal injury trial techniques.
