E-bikes: Smart Tips for a Safe Start
Gracias, Soraya Delgado, por translation. Read in Espanol here ➡️
Definition of Electric Bicycle (e-bike)
According to Section 231 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC), an e-bike is a bicycle. Section 312.5(a) of the CVC defines an e-bike as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.
- CALIFORNIA DEFINES THREE CLASSIFICATIONS of E-BIKES.
- Class 1: Low-speed, pedal assist e-bike that can reach speeds up to 20 mph. No minimum age, helmets are required for all riders under 18 years of age.
- Class 2: Low-speed, throttle-assisted e-bike that can reach speeds up to 20 mph. No minimum age, helmets are required for all riders under 18 years of age.
- Class 3: Speed pedal-assisted e-bike, that can reach speeds up to 28 mph (equipped with a speedometer). Class 3 riders must be 16+ years of age. Helmets are required for ALL riders (operator and passenger) regardless of age. Class 3 bikes are not allowed on Class 1 and 4 paths unless a city approves it.
E-Bikes manufactured after 2017 are required to have a permanently affixed label that contains the classification number, top speed, and motor wattage.
Any e-bike outside of these legal classifications is considered an “out of class electric vehicle” and is illegal to operate on a public roadway.
It is illegal to tamper with or modify e-bikes to change their speed capability unless it continues to meet the definition on an electric bicycle.
An important note, you may have heard of SURRON bikes, but these “bikes” are considered e-motorcycles, NOT e-bikes, which means they are considered Class 3 and riders must be 16+ years of age.
Before you buy an e-bike for a child under 16, make sure it’s a legal Class 1 or 2 bike.
Review the La Verne Police Department’s E-Bike Safety flyer for more information (including pictures of various e-bikes and e-motorcycles). Or watch the LVPD’s recent video posted on the LVDP Facebook page.
Other key state rules:
- Helmets required for all minors
- E-bikes can generally ride anywhere bicycles can
- No license, registration, or insurance required for e-bikes
2. DO YOUR RESEARCH.Choose the right e-bike for your child’s needs. Know your child’s riding ability. Consider the size and weight, speed, battery and motor options.
3. THE LOCAL RULES IN LA VERNE.E-bike riders must follow all bicycle traffic laws pursuant to the California Vehicle Code. Riders may not use sidewalks, landscaped areas, or any areas where posted signs prohibit riding. Failure to comply may result in citations. Night riders need a front light, red rear light/reflector, and side reflectors.
4. E-MOTORCYCLES ARE NOT E-BIKES.
E-motorcycles are NOT legal to ride on any roadway or trail within the City. Riders of e-motorcycles are required to have a valid driver’s license with M-1 endorsement, registration and license plate, use a DOT-approved helmet, and carry proof of insurance.
5. COMMON REASONS FOR BIKE IMPOUNDS IN LA VERNE.
- No helmet or improper helmet use (especially for minors and Class 3 riders).
- Underage riders operating Class 3 e-bikes (must be 16 or older).
- Modified or unapproved bikes that exceed legal speed or lack pedals.
Note: E-motorcycles are subject to impoundment because they are considered vehicles. Class I, 2 and 3 e-bikes cannot be impounded because they are not considered vehicles. However, an e-bike can be stored at the police department as property and a parent would need to pick it up.
Watch this E-Bike Safety Basics Training Video created by the California E-Bike Incentive Project.
3 suggestions from the La Verne Police Department
Sgt. Carlos Flores, who leads the La Verne Police Department’s e-bike education and enforcement efforts, is drafting the e-bike ordinance City Council will review in January. La Verne Daily News spoke extensively with Flores to gather information for this story.
- Ensure your child knows the rules of the road. Have your child take the California Highway Patrol Electric Bicycle Training and Safety course online. It’s free! Click here to access the course.
- Every rider should wear proper safety gear. Helmets are strongly recommended for all riders and required for Class 3 e-bikes and riders under the age of 18. Bright or reflective clothing, lights, and bells significantly improve visibility and reduce collision risk.
- Ride responsibly and share the road, obey traffic laws, yield to pedestrians, ride at safe speeds, and avoid sidewalks where prohibited. E-bike riders should operate with the same care and awareness expected of motor vehicle drivers. E-bike riders should be aware that their bikes are silent and often cannot be heard by pedestrians.
Resources and more information
🔗 Consumer Products Safety Commission Electric Bike Buying Guide
🔗 Q&A: What’s Behind La Verne’s Discussion on E-Bike Regulations?
🔗 City Council Agenda Report: Direction for Developing a Local Electric Bicycle Ordinance (pdf, see page 48)
🔗 Senate Bill 1271 (Jan. 1, 2025)
🔗 California AB 965 (July 28, 2025)
🔗 California AB 544 (July 14, 2025)
Still have questions?
- Reach out to the La Verne Police Department via Facebook, Instagram or call (909) 596-1913.
- Talk to the guys at Crazy Bear Bikes in La Verne. Call them at (909) 654-6684 or email service@crazybearbikes.com.
Have thoughts on e-bikes in La Verne? 🚲⚡
La Verne Daily News wants to hear from riders, parents, pedestrians, business owners and anyone who shares our streets and trails. If you’d like to talk about e-bikes, potential regulations, bike safety or bicycling in and around La Verne, reply to this email or contact Staci at staci@lavernedaily.org with “E-Bikes” in the subject line.
Your experiences and ideas can help shape our continued coverage and community conversations on this topic.
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