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As of June 24, 2026 (the most recent recorded action), AB 2346 was withdrawn from its Senate committee and remains in progress. It has not passed the Legislature and has not been signed by the Governor. We'll update this post if that changes.
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, with backing from the California Medical Association, framed around modernizing e-bike safety rules and protecting kids specifically. The bill has moved through committee hearings during the 2025-2026 regular session, most recently being withdrawn from a Senate committee on June 24, 2026 -- a procedural step that doesn't necessarily mean the bill is dead, but does mean it isn't moving toward a floor vote in its current form right now.
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 →
Riding in California?
See the current, in-force e-bike rules, or find a verified shop near you.
California E-Bike Laws Guide → Browse California Shops →Also see: eBike Laws in All 50 States