Create a legal registration path for light electric motorcycles in California

27

Let’s get to 50 signatures!
Petitions with 1,000+ supporters are 5x more likely to win!

The Issue

Every day, I and countless others ride our light electric motorcycles (E-Motos) with the hope that, one day, we can legally share the road with cars, trucks, and other motorcycles. These innovative vehicles, which are designed to be eco-friendly and efficient, currently face an uphill battle when it comes to legality in California.

California is a state that has always been at the forefront of environmental forward-thinking. It's a paradise for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing vehicles that don’t rely on fossil fuels. Yet, it's paradoxical that as E-Motos provide a cleaner, greener way of transportation, they are not provided with a legal means of registration to allow them on public roads.

Light electric motorcycles are an emerging market, offering environmental benefits by reducing our carbon emissions significantly. These bikes also contribute to decreased noise pollution, which makes urban environments quieter and more pleasant. Furthermore, as they take up less space on the road compared to larger vehicles, they help alleviate traffic congestion.

The absence of a legal pathway for registering these vehicles not only dissuades potential users from switching to a greener mode of transport but also stifles innovation. Becoming leaders in the adoption and integration of electric transportation could be a huge leap for California, aligning with the state's vision for a sustainable future. What's needed is a simple but efficient framework for street registration based on safety inspections and emissions testing, similar to that for traditional motorcycles and vehicles.

Other regions have successfully adopted similar frameworks, showing that this is indeed a feasible goal. For instance, in several European countries, light electric vehicles have been successfully integrated onto public roads through transparent processes that verify the roadworthiness of each vehicle. This model can be adapted to the specific requirements of California to ensure we maintain our reputation as a hub of technological and environmental innovation.

We call on the California Legislature to take immediate steps in creating a clear, inspection-based registration process for light electric motorcycles. By implementing such an initiative, California can set the benchmark, implementing a system that accommodates the unique specifications of E-Motos while ensuring safety and compliance with existing traffic regulations.

Let's lead the way together toward a sustainable future by supporting innovations that can substantially impact our environment for the better. Sign this petition to urge California lawmakers  to open public roads to riders of light electric motorcycles. Your signature could be the decisive step in driving California toward a cleaner tomorrow.

The Decision Makers

Gavin Newsom
California Governor

Petition Updates