It seems that a driver’s license for an electric bike is coming soon in California. The potential step is taken by some lawmakers who drafted Assembly Bill 530 in order to get this done. Therefore, according to this proposed upcoming bill that has been creating driver’s licenses in California.
The action is in response to several young electric bike riders who used to take to the streets without having tested for or opted for a driver’s license. It indicates that they often used to avoid or ignore many traffic protocols and safety information.
Again, electric bicycles were popular among older riders a decade ago. And now they are considerably preferable in all age group riders. Another aspect is that they are an often-used form of alternative transportation. Even many young riders in cities intentionally avoid getting a driver’s license or including a car. Since, they are inclined towards a smaller, cheaper, and more fun electric bike.
Assembly Bill 530
As per Assembly Bill 530, which will soon enter committee. It would mandate both online as well as state-issued identification for riders, those who don’t have a driver’s license. Alongside, the bill would also restrict riders under 12 years old to ride e-bikes.
Believing in the reports then the bill would create an e-bike training program. At the same time, it would work with many organizations including the DMV and California Highway Patrol. This enables educating the riders who haven’t aware of the rules of the road via a typical driver’s education course.
Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner explained that the creation of a driver’s license for earlier unlicensed e-bike riders is a matter of safety:
“As a mother and a legislator, I believe that we must act to prevent our youth from injuries and educate parents on the promise and responsibility of e-bikes, and AB 530 is another step to increase their safety while sharing the road.”
New Driver’s License for an Electric Will Disappoint Riders
Whereas, it seems like the concern of a driver’s license for e-bikes will anger many riders who enjoy the freedom and lack of regulations with respect to e-bikes. The logic is way very clear, riding on the road must have some sort of training in regard to the rules of the road.
It is too early to expect someone who never operated a vehicle on the road to get the things like right of the way, roundabouts, blind spots, following distance, etc. Since there are ample moving violations that many might not notice they did if they had never been taught.
