Parent Resources
Age and maturity matter for safely riding an e-bike
and e-scooter; increased speed and maneuverability
challenges make it so.
Laws matter! Peer pressure is temporary,
but a crash could have a lasting impact physically,
financially, and emotionally.
AB 1778: Effective July 1, 2025, students under 16 years of age will no longer be allowed to ride Class 2 throttle e-bikes in Marin. There is already a similar law for Class 3 (must be 16 or older).
Class 1 pedal assist e-bikes are still legal for any aged student.
Class 2 Throttle E-Motos – Get the FAQs
Caring parents know the FAQs about e-bikes to make a smart decision for your student and the community’s safety.
What kind of e-bike do you recommend
that I buy for my student?
Does your student truly need an e-bike because of long distances or hills to climb? All e-bikes are harder to maneuver and take longer to stop because of the extra speed and weight, so parents should first evaluate their student’s needs and ability before purchasing one.
A Class 1 e-bike is recommended if your student already can ride a conventional bike. A Class 1 e-bike can provide assistance from its electric motor up to a speed of 20 mph, but only when the rider is pedaling. A Class 1 e-bike is still fast; it can travel twice the typical speed of a 14 year old on a regular bike (10 mph).
What’s all the hubbub about labeled “Class 2” throttle e-bikes?
A great number of the throttle e-wheels sold in California are illegal for anyone of any age to drive because their motors are larger than 750 watts and capable of going above 20 mph without pedaling – the legal limit for a throttle e-bike. Even if they have a Class 2 e-bike label, if it is over 750 watts and capable of providing speed above 20 mph, they are e-motorcycles, and like gas motorcycles, the vehicle must be equipped with motorcycle lights and rearview mirrors, and a driver’s license and DMV registration are required. These un-equipped and unregistered e-motorcycles are not allowed to be driven by any person on public roads, streets, sidewalks or pathways.
Are people overreacting about all this?
No. Data as of October 2024 on the Marin’s Health and Human Services Bicycle Safety Dashboard reveals 85% of all 911 bicycle crashes for ages 10 to 15 were e-bike related; the e-bike crash rate for 10 to 15-year-olds is 5 times higher than any other age group. These severe injuries are similar to those involving motorcycle crashes, such as concussions (even when wearing a helmet) and broken pelvic bones with long-term or permanent consequences.
If a throttle e-wheel has a Class 2 label, it’s legal, right?
No, unfortunately, many manufacturers of throttle e-wheels use a Class 2 label even though the bicycles they sell are capable of exceeding the legal limit of 750 watts of power and can engage the throttle when traveling over 20 mph. Software for these illegal e-wheels can be downloaded to anyone’s cellphone and used to switch the device to exceed 20 mph on motor power alone.
Why aren’t the manufacturers and sellers held accountable?
Similar to vaping, this new technology came out rapidly, leaving consumers responsible for understanding the laws and self-regulating their purchases. Marin schools and law enforcement are now attempting to enforce the laws. Lawsuits may be inevitable by consumers or injured victims to hold manufacturers and retailers accountable. California Assembly AB 1774 was signed into law. As of January 1, 2025, the state prohibits the sale of products or devices that can modify the speed of an e-bike per AB 1774.
How is it that a labeled Class 2 e-bike
can go faster than 20 mph?
For e-bikes sold by certain manufacturers, the rider may use the handlebar display or an app paired with the bicycle to shift into “unlimited” mode and exceed 20 mph without pedaling. Students can use their own iPhone or a friend’s iPhone to download the app. Using the fastest “mode” for one of the most popular brands in Marin, riders can go from zero to over 30 mph (50% faster than the legal limit for Class 2 e-bikes) in 11 seconds.
My student is super responsible and obeys traffic laws. Why can’t they own one of the illegal e-wheels if they promise they will not go faster than 20 mph?
The device is illegal on public streets, roads, and pathways. In case of a crash, parents could face legal and financial liability for allowing their student to operate an illegal vehicle.
Where should I go to purchase a Class 1 e-bike or legal Class 2 e-bike for my student?
Local retailers can provide service on the e-bikes they sell. Brakes on e-bikes wear out faster than brakes on conventional bikes, so being able to service the e-bike regularly is essential to your student’s safety and the safety of others.