Protecting California Trail Access: Why CAMTB Supports SB 1167

The landscape of cycling is evolving rapidly. With technological innovation comes the necessity for clear, functional boundaries. The California Mountain Biking Coalition (CAMTB) alongside Calbike, People For Bikes, and the California Outdoor Recreation Partnership (CORP), has officially positioned itself in support of Senate Bill 1167 (Blakespear).

This legislation addresses a critical, growing threat to non-motorized access to public lands: the blurred line between low-power pedal-assist electric bicycles (“e-bikes”) and high-powered electric mopeds/motorcycles (e-motos). For trail stewards and mountain bikers, understanding this bill is essential to the future of singletrack access in California.

The Problem: The Ambiguity of the “Gray Area”

Currently, a dangerous ambiguity exists. The term “e-bike” has become a catch all phrase for low-powered pedal assist bicycles and high-powered electric mopeds and motorcycles or “e-motos”, which are capable of speeds over 30 mph and driven by motors pushing up to 3,000 or 3,750 watts. Further confusing the issue these powerful e-motos are frequently, and deceptively, being marketed and sold as e-bikes.

When e-motos enter non-motorized singletrack, they bypass the fundamental principles of trail design, creating safety hazards and accelerating maintenance needs. More critically, their presence provokes a reactionary response from land managers. Without clear legal definitions to enforce, agencies are often forced into enacting blanket bans, catching legitimate traditional mountain bikes and legal eMTBs in the crossfire.

We cannot steward trails effectively if the rules governing them are open to interpretation.

The Solution: Clean Lines and Clear Definitions via SB 1167

Good policy, like good design, relies on structural clarity. SB 1167 establishes a legally binding wall between e-bikes and e-motos, eliminating the gray area through three core mechanisms:

• Strictly Defining the E-Bike: The bill reinforces existing California law. To be classified as an e-bike, a device must feature fully operable pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, and a top assisted speed of 20 mph (with throttle) or 28 mph (pedal assist).
• Reclassifying the E-Moto: Any device exceeding these power or speed limits—regardless of whether it has pedals or mimics bicycle geometry—is legally stripped of the “e-bike” classification. SB 1167 updates definitions to capture these high-powered devices as “mopeds” or “motor-driven cycles.”
• Enforcing Accountability: By firmly classifying e-motos as motor vehicles, the bill forces them to comply with standard motor vehicle laws. On-road riders must hold a valid driver’s license (M1 or M2 endorsement), DMV registration, a license plate, and insurance. Off-highway electric motorcycles must display off-highway vehicle (OHV) identification plates. Furthermore, the bill makes it a crime to market or sell an e-moto as an “e-bike.”

Why SB 1167 Should Matter to the MTB and Trails Community

Our priority as an advocacy organization is sustainable, long-term trail access. SB 1167 is not about restricting cycling; it is about preserving the distinct, non-motorized nature of traditional mountain biking and legitimate Class 1-3 eMTB riding.

By establishing firm definitions, SB 1167 provides land managers, park rangers, and law enforcement with the exact legal framework they need. It empowers them to keep unauthorized, unregistered motorcycles off non-motorized singletrack without restricting the rights of legitimate cyclists.

For CAMTB’s coalition members working tirelessly to build and maintain California’s trail networks, this bill represents a necessary evolution. It ensures that our public lands remain protected, intelligently managed, and accessible for their intended uses.

Innovation should propel our sport forward, not compromise the trails we have spent decades advocating for. SB 1167 draws the line where it belongs.

More on SB 1167

CalBike: CalBike Co-Sponsors SB 1167 to Protect Consumers and Preserve Access to Legal E-Bikes

People For Bikes: California SB 1167 Looks to Protect E-Bike Integrity and Improve Public Safety

Interested in the Future of California’s Trails? Check out the CAMTB 2026 Legislative Agenda