Marin Voice: E-bikes are vehicles, not toys, so think before you buy one as a gift

Parents are faced with countless decisions impacting their children’s well-being, many of which aren’t black and white. As technology evolves with each new “must-have” gadget, the choices we make become tougher. In a world where perfection is impossible, how do we decide what’s best for our kids?

Electric bicycles are on many wish lists this season. It is important for parents to do their homework before making a purchase.

First, talk to a reputable bike shop before buying an e-bike. Many of our local bike shops will not work on e-bikes that they don’t sell. Like cars, brake maintenance of e-bikes is crucial. Not all e-bikes are the same, and not all “e-bikes” are legal.

It is important to ask questions. E-bikes are defined within the California Vehicle Code under three distinct classes. All e-bike motors are limited to 750 watts and must have fully operable pedals; any e-wheel that has a higher wattage is not an e-bike. Speed is also a part of the class definitions. Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal-assisted power up to 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle that goes up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal-assisted power up to 28 mph.

E-bikes are a great way for kids to get to school, activities and recreation. E-bikes are vehicles, not toys. The pedal-assisted motor of a class 1 e-bike can help a rider climb hills and cycle longer distances.

Riding any kind of bike takes skill and understanding the rules of the road. Mastery of riding a conventional bicycle is necessary before riding a class 1 e-bike. Following the rules of the road and being predictable and visible when riding are key.

The Marin County Health and Human Services Department is tracking data related to e-bike 911 calls. Ambulances respond to e-bike incidents involving 10- to19-year-old people at five times the rate of any other age group. In November 2023, the department sent an advisory to the public and pediatricians regarding e-bikes and the rate of serious injuries among youth. This advisory reflected the influx of e-bike-related injuries that were being seen in Marin clinics and emergency rooms. Operating any vehicle, including an e-bike, comes with risks. Parents should not allow their kids to ride an e-bike without evaluating the risks and assessing their child’s skills on a bike.

The Marin County Special Committee on Youth E-bike Safety began convening in September 2024. It has an education-first approach. The committee’s aim is effective education, outreach, consistent local policies and enforcement across Marin. The county and the Transportation Authority of Marin are jointly funding a countywide public education campaign with students and parents as the two distinct audiences. The committee will work toward a model ordinance to implement Assemblymember Connolly’s Assembly Bill 1778. The bill enables Marin County jurisdictions to pilot restricting class 2 e-bikes to riders aged 16 and older. Class 3 e-bikes are already restricted to riders 16 and older.

Throttle-powered e-wheels capable of providing power beyond 20 mph and without fully operable pedals, which may be advertised as e-bikes, are not e-bikes and are illegal for youth. Throttles add a dimension similar to a motorcycle, with potential for injuries similar to motorcycle injuries.

If buying an e-bike, buy at an in-person reputable bike shop to ensure your e-bike will get the maintenance it needs. E-bikes require more brake maintenance than conventional bikes. A class 1 pedal-assist e-bike is the best choice for youth.

We want to see more kids and adults on bikes. Getting out of our cars and onto bikes is good for our physical and mental health and enjoyment. We want parents to understand what is legal versus what is illegal, and what is age and skill appropriate for their child. Marin Safe Routes to Schools’ e-bike education page on that group’s website is a great place to start when considering a purchase. Do your homework before you buy.

Marin County Supervisor Mary Sackett represents District 1. Dr. Nelson Branco is a primary care pediatrician at Tamalpais Pediatrics in Marin County.