E-Bike or E-Motorcycle? Get the FAQs
E-Bike or E-Motorcycle? Get the FAQs
Planning to purchase an e-bike for your student for the holidays? Here are some FAQs to help you make a smart decision for your student and the community’s safety.
What kind of e-bike do you recommend that I buy for my student?
Does your student truly need an e-bike because of long distances or hills to climb? All e-bikes are harder to maneuver and take longer to stop because of the extra speed and weight, so parents should first evaluate their student’s needs and ability before purchasing one.
What’s all the hubbub about labeled “Class 2” throttle e-bikes?
A great number of the throttle e-wheels sold in California are illegal for anyone of any age to drive because their motors are larger than 750 watts and capable of going above 20 mph without pedaling – the legal limit for a throttle e-bike. Even if they have a Class 2 e-bike label, if it is over 750 watts and capable of providing speed above 20 mph, they are e-motorcycles, and like gas motorcycles, the vehicle must be equipped with motorcycle lights and rearview mirrors, and a driver’s license and DMV registration are required. These un-equipped and unregistered e-motorcycles are not allowed to be driven by any person on public roads, streets, sidewalks or pathways.
Have A Heart Challenge
February 3 – 14, 2025
The new Have A Heart Challenge encourages students to care about walking, biking, carpooling and riding the bus to school for safer streets, healthy minds and bodies, and to protect the environment. Classrooms can enter for a chance to win a popsicle party.
To participate, students can download a contest card HERE.
Buddy Up Contest – Ends November 15th
The Buddy Up annual contest promotes groups of students to walk, bike, carpool, or take the bus together. Healthy habits are more likely to stick when students and their families support each other. There’s safety in numbers as groups are more easily seen by drivers. Best of all, friendships and fun memories are formed!
Nominate your 2024 Buddy Up group HERE
The 2023 Winners are HERE
Be E-Bike Safe
Safety is our first priority for students.Know the laws and recommendations
before putting kids on e-wheels: HERE
Guidelines to stay safe while riding
e-bikes and what to know when buying
one for your child.
Download this important information from Transportation Authority of Marin.
Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) administers the Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) Program, which works to relieve traffic congestion around schools by promoting alternatives to commuting to school, such as walking, biking, taking the bus and carpooling.
In addition, the program helps improve safety, promote a healthy lifestyle for youth and enhance the sense of community in neighborhoods.
It does this through classroom education, special events, infrastructure improvements, a crossing guard program, and other strategies.
The SR2S program has been in operation since 2000 and involves almost 60 schools and more than 26,500 students.
VETTED BY INDUSTRY LAWYERS
(March 12, 2024)
Any throttle motor that can be switched to go speeds beyond 20 mph on motor power alone, is considered “out of class” – it is not an e-bike, it is a motor vehicle and requires a student to be at least 16 years old with a driver’s license and registration. (Same as e-scooters)
Under the guidance of our insurers and legal counsel, there are many brands (e.g. Super73, Surron) that fall into the “out-of-class” category that can no longer be accepted in classes.
A bill pending in CA legislature would address “multiple mode” products, not leaving it up to the consumers to interpret. Other bills are pending to address a minimum age requirement of 16 for Class 2.
Find your Suggested Route Map!
Click graphic above to find Route Maps by School District.