Electric bicycles: required equipment.

Assembly Member Davies' legislation expands safety requirements for electric bicycles in California, mandating that these vehicles maintain visible rear lighting during all hours of operation, not just after dark. The bill requires electric bicycles to display either a red reflector or a solid/flashing red light with built-in reflector that remains visible from 500 feet when illuminated by motor vehicle headlights.

The legislation also modifies helmet requirements for riders under 18 years old. Parents or guardians can now avoid court records and fees for helmet violations involving electric bicycles by providing proof of an approved helmet and documentation that the minor completed a specialized electric bicycle safety course. The Department of California Highway Patrol's electric bicycle safety program qualifies as an approved course under the new provisions.

The bill maintains existing fine structures for violations while directing the collected penalties toward bicycle safety education and helmet assistance programs. County health departments receive 72.5% of fines to fund these initiatives, with remaining portions allocated to administrative costs and local jurisdictions where violations occur. Local agencies and school districts implementing these changes operate under existing enforcement frameworks without requiring additional state reimbursement.