California’s AB 2346 Would Cap Kids at 15 MPH on Bike Paths -- Here’s Where It Actually Stands
AB 2346 targets exactly this scenario -- but it isn't law yet.
As of September 10, 2026, AB 2346 has passed both houses and the official tracker shows the enrolled bill was sent to the Governor. Check the official status link below before relying on the proposal as effective law.
A lot of what's circulating online about this bill treats it as settled -- it isn't. Here's exactly what AB 2346 would do if it eventually passes, and what's still just a proposal.
What the bill would actually require
| Provision | Detail |
|---|---|
| Under-16 speed cap | Riders under 16 should not exceed 15 mph on highways or bicycle paths |
| Local path/trail limits | Local authorities may set 10, 15, or 20 mph limits on bicycle paths and multiuse trails |
| Sidewalk limit | Prima facie 10 mph limit on sidewalks |
| Enforcement (through 2027) | Warning citations only, through December 31, 2027 |
| Equipment rules (if enacted, effective Jan. 1, 2029) | Class 2 e-bikes must have speedometers; all e-bikes need integrated or detachable front and rear lamps; sellers must disclose classification, max speed, and safety recommendations at point of sale |
Read that enforcement line again: even if AB 2346 passes soon, the bill itself proposes warning-only enforcement through the end of 2027, and the equipment requirements don't kick in until January 1, 2029. This isn't a bill that flips a switch overnight -- it's a phased rollout.
Who's behind it, and why
AB 2346 is sponsored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson and moved through both houses during the 2025-2026 regular session. The Legislature completed its votes in August 2026 and sent the enrolled bill to the Governor. The proposal includes locally set bicycle-path and multiuse-trail speed limits plus phased equipment and youth-safety provisions.
What this means if you're shopping for a kid's e-bike in California today
Nothing has legally changed yet. Current California law still governs what's on the books today. But if you're buying an e-bike for a rider under 16, building in a speed-limited mode or choosing a Class 1 bike (20 mph pedal-assist cap) rather than a Class 3 (28 mph) is a reasonable precaution regardless of whether this bill passes -- it's the direction state law is trending, not just in California.
Sources: CalMatters Digital Democracy bill tracker → · Full bill text via LegiScan →
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