E-BIKE SAFETY
SAN DIEGO SHERIFF’S OFFICE
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
SHERIFF’S DEPUTY M. ABBOTT
OVERVIEW
E-Bike “class” types
Collision Statistics
Bicycle Laws
e-Bike laws
Safety while riding an e-Bike
E-BIKE
DEFINED
• An electric bicycle (e-bike, eBike, etc.) is a
motorized bicycle with an integrated electric
motor used to assist propulsion.
• e-bikes use rechargeable batteries and
typically travel 16 to 20 mph.
• High-powered varieties can travel more than
28 mph and are not road legal bicycles.
• Currently 36 states across the U.S. utilize the
three-class system for electric bikes.
• States have altered the three-class system, but
most are similar.
CLASS 1
E-BIKE
Class 1: Pedal-assisted e-bike
• Allowed where most bicycles are
permitted. Ordinances will regulate
where e-bikes are prohibited,
typically on the boardwalk at the
beach.
• Equipped with a motor that
provides assistance only when the
rider is actively pedaling.
• There is no throttle assist/control.
• Speed maxes out at 20 mph.
CLASS 2
E-BIKE
Class 2: Pedal & Throttle assisted e-bike
• Typically look the same as Class 1 e-Bikes
• Allowed where most bicycles are
permitted. Ordinances will regulate where
e-bikes are prohibited, typically on the
boardwalk at the beach.
• Equipped with a pedal assist motor & also
has throttle assist/control
• Speed maxes out at 20 mph.
CLASS 3
E-BIKE
6 Class 3: Pedal assisted e-bike
• Equipped with a motor that provides
assistance only when the rider is
pedaling(same as Class 1).
• Speed maxes out at 28 mph. Any e-bike that
can go over 28 mph is not street legal per
California Vehicle Code.
• Allowed in bike lanes or separated bikeways
adjacent to the roadway.
• Not allowed on any trails.
• Riders must be 16 years-old.
• ALL ages must wear a helmet.
ELECTRIC
MOTORCYCLES
7 A common misconception is that electric
motorcycles are road legal e-Bikes.
Any vehicle that exceeds 28 mph is considered a
motor vehicle and requires a driver license,
registration, insurance, appropriate safety gear and
required vehicle equipment to be used on a public
roadway (turn signals, brake lights, reflectors, hazard lights etc.).
There is no difference between a gas-powered vs. an
electric powered motorcycle other than how it
generates its power.
These electric motorcycles are prohibited from all
public roadways, trail systems, bike paths, bike lanes
etc. They can only be operated in areas that allow Off
Highway Vehicles (OHV).
COLLISION STATISTICS INVOLVING
E-BIKES
IN THE CITY OF POWAY BETWEEN
01/01/2023 – 12/31/2023
SERIOUS OR MINOR INJURIES
10 REPORTED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
E-BIKE LA WS IN THE CITY OF
P OWAY
10.40.100 Motorcycles prohibited on trails.
It is unlawful for any person to operate any motorcycle or power cycle on any riders’ and hikers’ trail within the City. (Ord. 29 § 1, 1981; CC § 72.245)
10.40.010 Riding bicycles on sidewalks prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to ride a bicycle upon any sidewalk in a business district. (Ord. 29 § 1, 1981; CC §
72.230)
E-BIKE TIPS
ALL e-BIKES MUST FOLLOW THE SAME LA WS AS MOTOR
VEHICLES
All types of e-bikes must stop at stop signs, traffic signals, yield when entering traffic and use bicycle lanes when in specified areas. If a law applies to a car, it applies to an e-bike.
• Cyclists MUST ride to the right edge of the road as practical. • Sidewalks and crosswalks are meant for pedestrians.
• Dismount and walk your e-bike in these areas.
• You must stop at crosswalks for pedestrians.
• Riding against the flow of traffic is prohibited.
• Proper reflective equipment or lighting MUST be used (during night operation).
QUESTIONS?