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E-Bike 101

What Students Need to Know

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	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3
Pedal Assist
Throttle
Max Speed	20 mph	20 mph	28 mph
Minimum Age			16 years old
Helmet Required For:	17 and younger	17 and younger	All Ages

Types of E-Bikes

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Is Your E-Bike Legal?

1.

A motor with a 750-watt max (or less)

2.

Safety features that prevent speeds over 20 mph (28 mph for class 3

3.

Working pedals

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What About E-Scooters

Driver’s license or learner’s permit required

15 mph speed limit on all roads

Helmet required if under 18

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Where to Ride

Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes

Any paved surface where a regular bike can ride

Not on sidewalks

Class 3 E-Bikes

Any paved surface where a regular bike can ride EXCEPT multi-use paths

Not on sidewalks

E-Scooters

Bike lanes
On the road if the speed limit is 25 mph or less
Not on sidewalks or multi-use paths

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Ride Safety

Wear a helmet that fits

A loose helmet will not protect you in an accident

Maintain your ride

Replace brake pads often
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for battery charging

Wear bright colors and/or reflective materials
Be predictable

Always follow the rules of the road

Be respectful of slower moving traffic

It’s really important to wear a helmet that fits properly. It could save your life.

Make sure it covers your forehead and the back of your head.

The strap should buckle under your chin, and when you shake your head, your helmet should not move.

E-bikes and e-scooters need regular maintenance, especially for the brakes.

Get your brake pads replaced about every 6 months. Since e-bikes travel faster than regular bikes, their brakes wear down faster, and need to be replaced often.

Charging your battery can be a fire hazard if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Always charge your batteries directly in the wall (not with an extension cord), using the charger that came with your e-bike/e-scooter, in well-ventilated areas at room temperature, and never pile batteries together when charging them.

Unplug your battery when it’s full, don’t leave it plugged into the wall.

Try to wear bright colors, especially when riding in low light conditions.

Even better, wear something reflective or put reflective stickers on your e-bike/e-scooter and helmet.

Ride predictably.

E-bikes and e-scooters must follow the same rules of the road as cars, in addition to the speed limits that are specific to e-bikes and e-scooters.

Respect the slower moving traffic.

Wait to pass until there is plenty of space.

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Additional Resources

E-Bike Handbook for Parents and Students

12-minute E-Bike Safety Video

Free Online E-Bike Safety Training by CHP

El Centro Police Department E-Bike Video

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Thank you!