Do E-Bikers have any rules, laws, or regulations?
I am wondering if anyone has had issues with kids on e-bikes? I have had many issues with tweens/teens on e-bikes in Goleta, Noleta, etc. acting as if they were a motorcycle/moped.
Are There Any Laws for E-Bikes?
Edhat Reader
July 29, 2024, 11:11 am
2.6k Views
16 Comments
Written by Edhat Reader
Comments
0 Comments deleted by Administrator
Leave a Review or Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
16 Comments
The question should have been: Is there any enforcement of the laws that all cyclists are supposed to obey, but, especially e-bikers with their greater speeds, for helmets, passengers, riding on sidewalks, etc.?
Yes. Same as cyclists.
By “cyclists’ you refer to bicycle riders I assume. Differing rules apply to powered vehicles. I assume that battery powered is no different than ICE powered. Generally the rules of the road apply to all cyclists but bicycles have right of ways not allowed powered cycles and vice versa. It is hard to know the rules and the boundaries dim as the size of the engines and whatnot get involved. I wonder if DMV offers a pamphlet on this stuff?
RHS – yes, bicycle riders. Here’s something I found from the DMV:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/motorcycle-handbook/two-wheel-vehicle-operation/
There are some bad kids doing stupid and dangerous things out there. My kids and their buddies can’t stand them. That said, there are a lot of really good kids out there with ebikes that just like cruising around. I see people freak out on Nextdoor out here in Goleta if they even see one of them. The ebike hysteria is getting out of hand. It reminds of the same kind of hysteria about “skateboardes” in the 90s. People will always generalize and demonize all teenagers on the chosen mode of transportation based on the actions of others.
This is so true
The rules for a Class 1 E-bike are the same as a regular bike. They aren’t the same as ICE.
DMV has 3 classifications for e-bikes. Many of the young riders I’ve seen are not following the below guidelines. Looks like the issue is enforcement. If police issue hefty fines and citations, I’m sure most parents would take away the bikes.
“An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Three classes of electric bicycles have been established:
Class 1: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
Class 2: A low speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
Class 3: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached.
The operator of a Class 3 electric bicycle:
– Must be 16 years old or older.
– Must wear a bicycle safety helmet.
– Must not transport passengers.
– May ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority or ordinance.
All electric bicycle classes are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, DL, and license plate requirements (CVC §24016).”
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/motorcycle-handbook/two-wheel-vehicle-operation/
Is there a way for cops to quickly ID Class 3 bikes to distinguish from Class 2s like the more common Rad ebikes kids are riding?
I’ve been riding an e-bike to work for years. Class 3 bikes have a “Class 3” stamp engraved on the frame (at least mine does)… but you can only see it up close (during a traffic stop). Class 3 bikes are not supposed to ride on the dedicated bike paths (they can ride on bike lane in the street but not bike paths like we have along the beach).
Regarding breaking laws, I break many every day, including running stop signs and red lights (unless I see someone else).
Us e-bikers don’t want to be messing around with guys like this — thank you for putting him behind bars: https://www.edhat.com/news/suspect-arrested-for-assaulting-children-on-e-bikes-on-santa-barbaras-state-street/
Scofflaws suck.
Well, there ya go – “I break many every day…”
Houston, we have a problem.
crs223 – your comment is almost humorous? My take was:
I know all the facts re: class 3, in my opinion…
I’m a law breaker and do not tolerate OLD dudes calling me out for that!
🤡
impressed you outed yourself, solidifying my stance/belief how “typical e-bikers” treat traffic laws. so thanks?
🚴
According to SBSurfer’s info they have a speedometer, which shouldn’t be too hard to see
I am only 42 years old and still surf and skate and these kids male and female talk disrespectful to people in traffic while ignoring all traffic laws. They know nobody’s gonna take them up on their foul looks and words as they’re underage. Nobody wants to ruin their day but yes!!! Some of them are drunk with the “power” they feel as if they’re a vehicle on those things. Pretty frustrating…..
A lot of these very young riders do not have drivers licenses so they do not know the rules of the road. Perhaps their parents should get a DMV book and have them start studying and test them at home before they give them the keys to a very powerful motor transportation.
Pretty simple- if it has a throttle its a motorcycle and should have a plate and conform to those rules.