Amazon Stops High-Speed Ebike Sales in California

In a significant move to address ebike safety concerns, Amazon has announced plans to cease sales of certain high-speed electric bicycles in California. This decision comes in response to mounting public pressure, a series of tragic incidents that have claimed lives, and an official consumer alert issued by the state's attorney general last month. The retail giant's action represents a critical step toward ensuring compliance with California's vehicle classification laws and protecting public safety on state roadways.

The catalyst for this policy shift stems from a particularly devastating incident in April when an 81-year-old man named Ed Ashman from Orange County was fatally struck by a teenager illegally operating an e-motorcycle. The tragic collision has since sparked a high-profile legal case, with the vehicle operator's mother, Tommi Jo Mejer, being charged with involuntary manslaughter. According to officials investigating the case, Mejer had been explicitly warned that it was illegal for her son to operate the vehicle on public roads, yet she allegedly allowed him to do so anyway.

This fatal accident illuminated a critical gap in California's regulatory framework regarding electric vehicle classification and enforcement. Many high-powered e-bikes sold through major online retailers like Amazon can exceed the state's legal speed thresholds and lack required safety features. Under California law, vehicles capable of reaching certain speeds must be classified as mopeds or motorcycles, requiring registration, licensing, and insurance—not simply sold as consumer-grade bicycles.