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Lafayette council backs state bills on e‑bike safety and franchise‑fee clarity
Summary
Council members approved the city's legislative platform and voted to support AB 2346 (e‑bike safety rules, retailer disclosures and limited statewide speed limits for youth and sidewalks) and SB 922 (clarifies use of franchise fees for road maintenance after recent court guidance).
At its March 9 meeting, the Lafayette City Council approved the legislative platform and took official support positions on two state measures affecting transportation policy and municipal finance.
Casey Elliott of Townsson Public Affairs briefed the council on AB 2346 (Assemblymember Wilson), a bill that would require ebikes sold in California to have speedometers and front/rear lighting beginning in 2029, require retailers to disclose maximum speed and battery wattage, provide consumers a summary of state rules, and authorize local jurisdictions to set ebike speed limits. Elliott said AB 2346 also proposes a statewide speed limit of 15 mph for riders aged 15 and younger and a 5 mph limit when riding on sidewalks.
On SB 922 (Senator Leard), Elliott summarized the bill as a response to a recent court decision in Redlands that raised questions about whether certain franchise‑fee revenues could be used for road maintenance. SB 922 seeks to clarify that using franchise fees to mitigate wear‑and‑tear from contracted services (for example, waste‑hauling franchises) is acceptable under the vehicle‑code provisions cited in that court case.
Councilmembers supported both measures. Several members noted the local fiscal importance of franchise fees and welcomed SB 922’s clarification; others flagged technical questions about ebike lighting standards and the need for careful implementation to avoid unintended consequences. One councilmember suggested staff or the legislative committee follow up with bill authors’ staff and technical consultants on lighting specifications and performance standards.
Why it matters: AB 2346 could change retail disclosure and equipment requirements for ebikes statewide and give cities more authority over local speed limits, directly affecting local bicycle policy and enforcement. SB 922 would protect a revenue stream municipalities use for street maintenance, a point several councilmembers said is financially significant for Lafayette.
What’s next: The council’s support positions will be transmitted to the legislative committee and local lobbyists; staff and councilors indicated they expect follow‑up with bill authors’ offices on technical standards.
