Editor’s note: The American College of Surgeons report surgeons see a serious pattern of e-bike-related injury and death. Please read this in the interest of safety.
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The Scotts Valley Police Department would like to provide information regarding the different classes, or types, of electric bicycles that are currently being manufactured.
It’s important to remember that bike/E-Bike riders share the same rights, responsibilities, and potential dangers as motorists.
Due to the accessibility of e-bikes, we tend to see a younger generation of riders.
Parents, please have honest conversations with your children with clear expectations and rules for when they are riding these bicycles.
To promote safer riding practices, consider the following information.
The law defines three Classes (1, 2 and 3) of E-Bikes and each has specific legal requirements:
Class 1 E-Bike
- Low-speed, pedal-assisted, equipped with a motor providing assistance only when the rider is pedaling
- Motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
Class 2 E-Bike
- Low-speed, throttle-assisted, equipped with a motor to propel bicycle even when rider is not pedaling.
- Motor is NOT capable of providing assistance when 20 mph is reached.
Class 3 E-Bike
- Low-speed, pedal-assisted, equipped with a motor and speedometer that provides assistance only when pedaling
- Motor stops assisting at 28 mph.
- Must be 16 years old or older and wear a bicycle safety helmet.
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Bicyclists and e-bike riders on highways are subject to all the same rules of the road as motorists. Riders who don’t follow the rules are subject to ticketing and fines as defined by the California Vehicle Code.
Make sure to follow these rules:
- Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet, and all riders on Class 3 e-bikes must wear a helmet.
- Traffic lights, signs and signals apply to all road users, including bicycle and e-bike riders.
- Passengers are generally only permitted if the bicycle or e-bike is properly equipped for passengers and the passenger is securely riding on the passenger portion of the bicycle or e-bike.
- Child safety seats are required for passengers under 4 years old or less than 40 pounds.
- Cyclists must ride to the right edge of the road as practical. If you’re riding slower than traffic, ride in the bike lane. You can leave the bike lane to turn left, pass someone, avoid a road hazard or avoid cars turning right.
- Sidewalks and crosswalks are meant for pedestrians. Dismount and walk your e-bike in these areas. You must stop at crosswalks for pedestrians.
- Dismount and walk your e-bike or similar motorized device on trails less than 5 feet wide when within 50 feet of a pedestrian or horseback rider.
- Do not attach a bicycle, e-bike or similar motorized device to any moving vehicle or motorized or non-motorized wheeled device with an operator or rider on board.
- Be aware of other road users and try to match the average speed. This means riding slowly in areas with pedestrians.
- Stop at red lights.
- Stop before right turn at red lights.
- Stop at stop signs.
- Do not weave in and out of traffic.
- Ride in the same direction as car traffic – ride with the flow of traffic.
- Proper reflective and lighting equipment must be used during night operation.
- When a bicycle lane is available, bicyclists are required to use the bike lane unless they are traveling as fast as traffic.