Can My Child Ride an E-Bike?
Many California parents are considering getting their teens an e-bike to give them a greater degree of independence and to free up parents from the dreaded drop off life. The answer, as with all law questions on whether you can get your kid an e-bike is: it depends. Not all e-bikes are the same, and certainly not all are safe. Check out my post on the danger of low cost e-bikes for info on that. Currently, there are three classifications of e-bikes. For Class 1 and 2, there are no age restrictions, but riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.
So, What is an E-Bike Anyways?
The California vehicle code defines e-bikes as: “[A] bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.” It then separates e-bikes into three categories. Currently, 40 states use this classification system.
- Class 1: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph
- Class 2: Operates via pedal-assist or throttle and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph
- Class 3:Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph
Again, as of now, there are no age restrictions for Class 1 and 2 e-bike use. However, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike, and all Class 3 riders must wear helmets. All riders under 18 must wear a helmet on any type of bike. E-bikes designed to accommodate passengers are allowed to do so. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a helmet. Passengers of all ages must wear a helmet on Class 3 bikes.
How Can I Find the Classification Info For My E-Bike?
Lucky for you, California law requires that e-bike manufacturers list key information like the bike’s top speed and Class type on a label. If the info is not on the e-bike for some reason, then bikers should contact the manufacturer to clarify the type of e-bike they are riding.
Be Aware That E-Bike Laws About Child Usage Could Change Soon
Currently, laws are being proposed in California that would shake up e-bike regulations. AB 2234, a bill proposed in SanDiego, would require all people riding an e-bike to either carry a driver’s license or state issued ID with a waiver showing they completed an online California Highway Patrol (CHP) e-bike training course. This bill is currently awaiting state senate approval. Since e-bikes are a recent form of transportation, state governments are deploying new regulations to address the emerging challenges and issues that accompany this ever-changing field. To stay up to date on e-bike regulations, contact your local legislature online.
