HomeMy WebLinkAboutSB 1167 (Blakespear) - Electric Bicycles - City of SLO - SUPPORTCity of San Luis Obispo, Office of the City Council, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3249, 805.781.7114,
slocity.org
June 2, 2026
The Honorable Catherine Blakespear
California State Assembly
State Capitol, Suite 7720
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: SB 1167 (Blakespear) – Electric Bicycles: Classifications & Consumer Protections
NOTICE OF SUPPORT
On behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo, I write to express our support for SB 1167, which provides
important clarity and accountability in California’s evolving electric micromobility landscape.
Like many communities across California, San Luis Obispo is experiencing increasing challenges
associated with electric two-wheeled devices that blur the line between traditional e-bikes and
higher-powered motorized vehicles. Devices that do not meet California’s statutory e-bike definitions
are often marketed and used as such, creating confusion for consumers and safety concerns on
bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
As a community that prioritizes active transportation and multimodal mobility, San Luis Obispo values
safe and accessible streets, bike paths, and sidewalks for all users. The City has seen growing concerns
regarding the operation of higher-powered electric devices in spaces designed for traditional bicycles
and pedestrians, particularly in shared-use and high-traffic areas. SB 1167 will help address these
concerns by strengthening prohibitions against falsely advertising or labeling vehicles as electric
bicycles when they do not meet statutory definitions and by improving transparency for consumers
regarding the type of vehicle they are purchasing and operating.
From the City’s perspective, clearer and more enforceable statewide standards will help reduce
confusion, support public safety, and improve compliance with rules governing the safe use of local
transportation infrastructure. For these reasons, the City of San Luis Obispo is pleased to support SB
1167. Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Erica A. Stewart
Mayor
City of San Luis Obispo
cc: Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee
Senate Appropriations Committee
Senate Transportation Committee
Members of the San Luis Obispo City Council
Senator John Laird
Assemblymember Dawn Addis
Dave Mullinax, League of California Cities
League of California Cities, cityletters@cacities.org