Vehicles: electric bicycles.

Existing law defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, and requires electric bicycles to comply with specified equipment and manufacturing requirements. Existing law prohibits a person from tampering with or modifying an electric bicycle so as to change the speed capability of the bicycle, unless they appropriately replace the label indicating the classification required, as specified. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime. This bill would clarify that the exception to this prohibition only applies if the bicycle continues to meet the definition of an electric bicycle. This bill would prohibit a person from selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle such that it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle. Because the bill would prohibit a person from selling certain products, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.