Earlier this month, California enacted new regulations for e-bikes that resulted in stricter speed limits for e-bikes. At the time, it wasn't clear how electric bike makers would respond to the new rules, but now we're starting to see at least one manufacturer push to bring its existing bikes owned by California residents into compliance.
New rules remove ambiguity in Class 2/Class 3 e-bike categorization. In the past, most e-bikes were designed to work at any stage depending on the owner's wishes. Such bikes can operate as Class 2 bikes with a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) on the throttle, or as Class 3 bikes with a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) on the pedal assist-only. .
In fact, most Class 3 bikes sold in the US use this design, offering hybrid compliance to function as both Class 2 and Class 3 bikes.
After California's new rules removed any ambiguity between the classes, it is now clear that bicycles in the state will only need to operate as Class 2 bicycles (bicycles up to 20 mph). OR Class 3 bikes (up to 28 mph but without any throttle).
It was unclear whether bikes sold before the law was enacted would receive an exemption, but bike manufacturer Specialized doesn't appear to be taking any chances.
Exclusive is the maker of the Globe line of cargo bikes, and recently sent out an update to owners that can help them bring their bikes into compliance with California's tough new laws.
Like many other electric bikes on the market, Globe bikes come with throttles that allow a speed of 20 mph without pedaling, but can also reach 28 mph with pedal assist.
A new firmware update promoted by the company will actually limit its e-bikes to Class 2 performance only, removing the motor's ability to help the bike go faster, even if it's going without a clutch.
The update will come with a Class 2 compliance sticker that replaces the previous Class 3 sticker.
To install a voluntary update, Globe owners are encouraged to visit their local dealer.
A copy of the renewal letter was shared on Reddit and can be seen below.
Electrek's Take
This is an interesting approach, because it shows Specialized's understanding that it is responsible for any of its bikes already on the road that are made non-compliant with the new law.
There are two main options for “fixing” these previous Class 2/3 hybrid e-bikes and bringing them into compliance. One is to remove and remove the throttle, turning the bike into a true Class 3 e-bike under CA regulations. One is to remove the bike's ability to assist at speeds above 20 mph, making it a Class 2 bike. The latter is what Specialized seems to have decided to go with, and it makes sense to me. If you asked most of the owners of these e-bikes where they would stop if they had to, they would tell you “take my speed of 21-28 mph but leave my throttle”. Throttles are such a big part of bikes in North America that many riders would give up on the whole bike if they were forced to give up on the throttle.
The big question here is how many Globe passengers will install this update. Since you need to not only enter it, but also visit the dealer to do it, I have to think that most of the riders will simply ignore the update completely, keeping their fast speed that is not compatible with the e- bike with the throttle. I'm not saying that's the right thing to do, but I'm saying that's what will happen in the real world.
And to be honest, these Globes aren't even bikes at all. Most CA residents are more concerned about teenagers tearing up the sidewalks on moped-style bikes, not local moms and dads riding to Trader Joe's on smart cargo bikes that happen to have hybrid Class 2/3 performance.
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