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Be E-Bike Safe

E-bikes are growing in popularity. A census done by Safe Routes to Schools in April showed that e-devices represented on average 30% of all middle school bicycles and 50% at high schools in Marin.

E-bikes provide many benefits including teen independence and traffic and pollution reduction. But they must be legal. Any e-wheel device that travels faster than 20 mph on throttle power alone, by law, is considered illegal and unsafe for any rider.

According to California Vehicle Codes and law enforcement, if a throttle device sold as a class 2 is capable of being switched into going faster than 20 mph on motor power alone, these devices are not considered low-speed electric bicycles, but resemble electric motorcycles.

Be E-bike and E-scooter Legal:

According to CVC 312.5 (a), legal e-bikes must have ALL THREE:

1. Working pedals

2. Maximum of 750 watts

3. Motor can NEVER, EVER EXCEED a maximum speed of 20 mph for Class 2.  If the device is able to go faster than 20 mph on motor power alone, it is NOT an e-bike and is illegal for any person of any age to ride on roads and pathways. 

Watch Out for Liability: Many popular Class 2 labeled brands are ILLEGAL
and the operation of such puts students and their caregivers at liability risk.

Class I and II – no age limit.

Class III – Students must be 16 years old – NO DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIRED.
All must wear helmets, including adults.

E-Scooters – Students must be 16 years old – MUST HAVE A DRIVERS LICENSE OR VALID PERMIT.
Maximum speed = 15 mph.

For Administrators:

Safe Routes to Schools appreciates your partnership in promoting healthy and safe travel to and from school.
We’re here to help. In addition to teaching bicycle safety classes, Safe Routes to Schools can draft policies and provide messaging to parents so you can focus on student academics. Please contact Program Director, Gwen Froh, at [email protected] for assistance.

 

E-bike Resources for Administrators:

For Parents and Students:

Guidelines to stay safe while riding e-bikes and
what to know when buying one for your child.

Dr. Matt Willis: Video “Everyone has a Role” E-bike awareness and education for parents (Dec. 2023)

Download this important information from Transportation Authority of Marin.

Wear a Helmet and Wear it Properly

You’re more likely to have a crash  resulting in a brain injury when you ride a faster e-bike compared to a regular bike. Make sure your helmet fits and that it’s properly adjusted and attached before you ride. Helmets designed for increased speeds are ideal.

Practice Passenger Safety

E-bikes are heavier and harder to control with or without a passenger. Carrying a passenger is legal only if your e-bike has a seat for another person; regardless, the extra weight can make it difficult to maneuver, slow down, and stop. Passengers must also wear a helmet if they are under 18.

Be Responsible, Predictable,
and Visible

E-bike crashes are more likely to lead to severe injury and hospitalization compared to crashes involving regular bikes.
Be responsible: follow laws and stop at stop signs.
Be predictable: ride in the same direction as traffic.
Be visible: use bright clothing and use lights.

SLOW Your Speed

The higher the speed, the higher the risk of severe injury. At 20 MPH, it could take you almost four school bus lengths to fully stop to avoid an obstacle. Take your time when riding and don’t exceed the manufacturer’s top speeds. 

E-Bikes Are Electrifying the Future!

What Parents Should Know

Update coming soon.