E-Bike & E-Scooter Safety
Know the rules. Ride Responsibly.
Getting to school on an e-bike, bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or other personal transportation device comes with important safety responsibilities. Follow all applicable laws, wear required safety equipment, and use these devices responsibly to help keep yourself and everyone around you safe. Every safe ride makes a difference!
Speed Limit
E-bikes are limited to 20 MPH with motor assistance.
Helmet
Riders under 18 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when riding an e-bike.
Parking
Park your e-bike where it does not block sidewalks, curb ramps, driveways, fire hydrants, or building entrances.
Carrying Items & Passengers
You may only carry a passenger if your e-bike is designed to do so with a permanent passenger seat.
Motor Power Limit
To qualify as an e-bike, the motor must produce 750 watts or less. More powerful vehicles require a permit.
Traffic Laws
E-bike riders must obey the same traffic laws as other bicyclists.
E-Bike Policy
Elementary School
Elementary school students may not possess or operate e-bikes, e-motos, or any other devices defined in the Draft Board Policy on school property, including the perimeter of the campus, at any time.
Middle School
Middle school students may not possess or operate e-bikes, e-motos, or any other devices defined in the Draft Board Policy on school property, including the perimeter of campus, at any time.
High School
Students in grades 9-12 may possess an e-bike on campus. However, E-motos and all other devices defined in the Draft Board Policy are strictly prohibited on any District property.
Students are required to park an e-bike on campus in the designated area(s) only. However, E-motos and all other devices defined in the Draft Board Policy are strictly prohibited on any District property.
Know What You’re Riding
To be considered a legal e-bike in California, a bike must have working pedals, an electric motor of 750 watts or less, and meet the requirements for Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bikes. The class is based on how the motor assists the rider and the maximum speed at which it provides assistance.
If your e-bike has no pedals (e.g. Surron E-Bikes) and can’t be powered by human effort, it is not an e-bike!
Not every electric bike or vehicle qualifies as an e-bike under California law. E-scooters are different from e-bikes and have their own rules. E-scooter riders must have a valid driver’s license or permit, and e-scooters may not be operated at speeds greater than 15 MPH.
Please remember: E-bikes may be impounded if they are illegally modified, operated recklessly, abandoned, or used in violation of California law.
E-Bike & Motorcycle Comparison
Use this comparison to see how bicycles, e-bikes, and e-dirt bikes/e-motorcycles differ in speed, age requirements, and rules for use.
Bicycles
Maximum speed: N/A
Rider minimum age: N/A
Requires a driver’s license: No
Requires a helmet: Under 18
Throttle assisted: No
Allowed at school: Yes
Class 1 E-Bike
Maximum speed: 20 mph
Rider minimum age: N/A
Requires a driver’s license: No
Requires a helmet: Under 18
Throttle assisted: No
Allowed at school: Yes
Class 2 E-Bike
Maximum speed: 20 mph
Rider minimum age: N/A
Requires a driver’s license: No
Requires a helmet: Under 18
Throttle assisted: Yes
Allowed at school: Yes
Class 3 E-Bike
Maximum speed: 28 mph
Rider minimum age: 16
Requires a driver’s license: No
Requires a helmet: All ages
Throttle assisted: No
Allowed at school: Yes, if over 16
E-Dirt Bike / E-Motorcycle
Maximum speed: Over 50 mph
Rider minimum age: 16
Requires a driver’s license: Yes
Requires a helmet: All ages
Throttle assisted: Yes
Allowed at school: No
Before you ride…
- Wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet every time you ride.
- Ride an e-bike that meets California legal requirements, including its classification and maximum assisted speed (20 MPH for Class 1 & 2; 28 MPH for Class 3).
- Check that your e-bike has the required equipment, such as working brakes and lights if riding when required by law.
- Follow all traffic laws, posted speed limits, and age requirements for your e-bike type.
While on Campus…
- Slow down and stop riding before entering the school grounds.
- Walk your e-bike from the campus entrance to the designated bike parking area.
- Park only in the designated bike racks and lock your e-bike securely before heading to class.
- Do not ride your e-bike anywhere on campus during the school day.
Follow the Law…
- Ride only an e-bike that meets California requirements for use on public roads and bike paths.
- Follow posted speed limits and obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Follow California’s age, equipment, and operating requirements for your e-bike classification.
- Use your e-bike responsibly and share the road with others.
Resources
Free online eBike Safety and Training Course, currently endorsed by the California Highway Patrol.
Download California’s Electric Bicycle Law Handout
Click on the images below to download the PDF.
