Bicycles, E-Bikes and Motorized Scooters Safety & Rules
Over the last ten years, e-bikes have become increasingly popular, especially among children and teens. The California Vehicle Code defines electric bicycles, more commonly called "e-bikes," as a “bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.”
Under current California law, there are three types of e-bikes:
Class 1: Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. (No minimum rider age required under current California laws.)
Class 2: Equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. (No minimum rider age required under current California laws.)
Class 3: Equipped with a speedometer and motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. (This type of e-bike requires its riders to be at least 16 years of age.)
Because these classifications may vary from state-to-state, e-bike manufacturers don't always provide a class number on their websites.
Differences in E-bikes
Class 1 E-bikes
Definition
- Pedal-assist only
- No Throttle
- Motor stops assisting at 20 MPH
Rules
- Allowed on many bike paths and trails
- No driver license required
- Helmets are required for ALL riders under age 18.
Best Use
- Recreational riding
- School commuting
- Beginner riders
Class 2 E-bikes
Definition
- Equipped with a throttle
- Can operate with or without pedaling
- Motor stops assisting at 20 MPH
Safety Concerns
- Helmets are required for ALL riders under age 18.
- Faster acceleration
- Riders may overestimate abilities
- Increased crash risk in crowded areas
- All bicycle safety laws must be obeyed even with the throttle in use
Class 3 E-bikes
Definition
- Pedal-assist only
- Maximum speed of 28 miles per hour
- Must have a speedometer
California Laws
- Rider must be at least 16 years old
- A helmet is required for ALL riders
- Generally prohibited on many multi-use paths
Safety Concerns
- Higher speeds create longer stopping distances
- Crashes can cause severe injuries
What to know about bicycles and e-bikes and our schools
Grades TK through 5th
- Students are allowed to begin riding bicycles to school in third grade.
- Parent/guardian must complete and submit a Personal Transportation Device Agreement .
- Only traditional (non-motorized) bicycles are permitted.
- E-bikes and all motorized transportation devices are prohibited.
- Helmets are required for ALL riders under age 18.
Grades 6th through 12th
- Parent/guardian must complete and submit a Personal Transportation Device Agreement .
- Traditional bicycle are allowed to be ridden to school. Helmets are required for ALL riders under age 18.
- Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed. Helmets are required for ALL riders under age 18.
- Class 3 e-bikes are allowed for students who are 16-years-old or older. Helmets are required for ALL riders.
Prohibited on all school properties:
- E-motos or electric motorcycles that do not meet the California Vehicle Code definition of an electric bicycle pursuant to Vehicle Code section 312.5.
- Gas-powered motorcycles or minibikes operated by students that do not meet the California Vehicle Code definition of an electric bicycle pursuant to Vehicle Code section 312.5.
- E-scooters, unless the student is 16-years-old and possesses a valid driver's license or instruction permit.
- E-boards, unless the student is 16-years-old and possesses a valid driver's license or instruction permit.
- Any modified or altered E-bike or motorized device that exceeds the legal power or speed limitations (in cooperation with SVPD).
- Any transportation device operated in an unsafe manner on school district property.
What is an E-moto?
Many E-motos are incorrectly marketing as E-bikes. An E-moto or electric motorcycle is typically:
- More powerful than a legal E-bike
- Its motor often exceeds 750 watts
- It may reach speeds far above 28 miles per hour
- It frequently lacks legal E-bike classification requirements
California laws about E-motos
- E-motos are not considered E-bikes
- E-motos require registration and licensing and may not be operated with registration
- E-motos cannot legally operate on bike paths or sidewalks
- Many E-motos qualify as motorcycles or off-highway vehicles
- E-motos cannot be ridden on sidewalks or in bicycle lanes
- It is illegal for underage drivers to use E-motos
What is an E-scooter?
An E-scooter (motorized scooter) is:
- A two-wheeled device
- Equipped with handlebars
- Has a standing platform or a seat
- Powered by an electric motor
California laws about E-scooters
- A valid driver license or permit required for the user
- The maximum speed for an E-scooter is 15 miles per hour
- All riders 17-years-old and younger must wear a helmet
- Only one rider is allowed; carrying passengers is illegal
- E-scooters should use bicycle lanes when available
- Riding on sidewalks is not allowed
- Do not operate when distracted