E-Bike Safety Tips
Last Saturday, September 9th, the City hosted a City Cycling workshop with the San Diego Bike Coalition to educate residents on the road rules, where to ride, general bike safety, emergency maneuvers, legal rights, and responsibilities on the road - practicing everything through skills drills.
This workshop was included in a kpbs article discussing e-bike safety in San Diego - check it out!
With electric bicycles increasing in popularity, it's important to know the classifications, requirements, and safety regulations of e-bikes, and how they differ from pedal bikes. Always ride in the same direction as traffic, use bike lanes when available, and do not ride on sidewalks or crosswalks. Obey traffic signs and signals, look before turning, and wear a properly fastened helmet that is certified for the bike you are riding
E-bikes are classified into three categories:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, max speed of 20 mph
- Class 2: Throttle-assisted, max speed of 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, max speed of 28 mph
E-bikes do not require a drivers license, registration, or insurance. However, riders of Class 3 e-bikes must wear helmets and be at least 16 years old. All riders 18 years and under must wear a helmet.
Learn more rules and regulations on the City's Electric Bike Safety webpage and sign up for Weekly Updates to stay updated on when the future bike workshops will be held.
Please familiarize yourself and your children with the rules of the road, e-bike classifications, and safety regulations. Thank you for keeping Solana Beach safe and e-bike accident free!
Click here to view the San Diego County Sheriff's Office E-Bike Safety Tips (In Spanish)