E-Bike Safety

City of Santa Cruz E-Bike Safety 

Santa Cruz is a great place to ride a bike! From the investments we’ve made to improve the infrastructure to the school-based education programs to the regional safety campaigns, we’ve seen increases in the number of people choosing two wheels to get around Santa Cruz. 

Many residents and visitors have made the switch to electric bicycles (E-bikes). If you don't own one, you probably know someone who does. E-bikes look like regular bikes, but they have an electric motor to assist riders. They are fast, efficient, and can help us reduce our carbon footprint

E-Bike Classifications

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only. 20 mph max speed.
• Class 2: Pedal-assist and throttle. 20 mph max speed.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only. 28 mph max speed. Age 16+ to operate. All riders and passengers must wear a helmet regardless of age

What About Bikes That Don't Meet These Definitions?

Do you know the difference between a legal e-bike and devices that are referred to as e-motos? In recent years, the market has been flooded with devices that look like e-bikes, but don’t adhere to industry standards. 

E-motos, a term coined by People for Bikes, are often incorrectly lumped in with legal e-bikes due to their similar appearance, but these are NOT e-bikes. E-motos can qualify as different vehicle types, but typically are classified as either off highway vehicles or motorcycles. Many devices that are marketed to children and teens fall into the e-moto category. It is important to note that off highway vehicles are not street legal without licensing, insurance, and registration.  

E-motos typically:

• Have an electric motor with a power output exceeding 750 watts.
• Have a bicycle-style frame equipped with one or more operating modes and a throttle.
• Are capable of exceeding 20 mph using only the throttle.

Remember, e-motos are not permitted to use bike infrastructure. Without proper licensing, registration, and insurance, e-motos are not allowed on any public roadway. 

E-Bike Safety 101

E-Bikes can introduce new safety issues. Across the country, as the number of E-Bikes on the roads has grown, so have the collisions. If you or your children are riding an E-bike, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• E-bikes are fast! There are three classes of e-bikes: 1, 2, and 3. Class 3 E-bikes can go up to 28 miles per hour! With great speed comes great responsibility. Just because you CAN go fast, doesn’t mean you always should. 
•  E-Bikes must YIELD to pedestrians! Whether you're on a bike or an e-bike, you must yield to pedestrians.
• The rules of the road still apply. Posted speed limits and traffic signals and signs should be followed regardless of what mode of transportation you're using. Electric bicycles must follow many of the same state laws as conventional bicycles.
• Helmets, helmets, helmets! Helmets can reduce the risk of a head injury in a bicycle collision by up to 85%. Make sure you and your family have helmets that fit properly. Also, all riders and passengers on Class 3 e-bikes are required to wear helmets, regardless of age. 

Follow basic safety tips.

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Do not text, call or wear headphones while riding.
• Ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic.
• Stop and look both ways before entering the street.
• Wear a bicycle helmet that fits properly.
• Respect traffic signals and stop signs.
• Alert others, such as pedestrians, that you are approaching. They may not hear you. Use your bell.
• Before purchasing an e-bike for your child, talk to them about traffic safety and consider enrolling in an e-bike safety course. The California E-Bike Incentive Project and California Highway Safety Patrol offer free courses that cover the basics.