E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety

E-bikes (electric bicycles) and other motorized devices offer people of all ages and abilities the chance to enjoy riding with the help of an electric motor. There are many styles of e-bikes available, from mountain bikes and cargo e-bikes to beach cruisers, making them versatile and fun for various activities. These motorized devices also offer a great alternative to using a car for getting around Woodside.

If you ride or are considering riding a motorized device in Woodside, please take the time to learn what’s allowed, familiarize yourself with the applicable laws, and follow guidelines and recommendations for safe riding.

What is an e-bike?

An "electric bicycle" is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (California Vehicle Code (CVC) 312.5).

Of the many styles of e-bikes out there, California specifies three types which are described below.

Type 1 e-bike:

• Pedal-assisted.
• Assisted speed maxes out at 20 mph.
• Allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed.
• No minimum age.
• No driver's license required.
• Helmet required for 17 and under.

Type 2 e-bike:

• Pedal or throttle-assisted.
• Assisted speed maxes out at 20 mph.
• Allowed wherever regular bicycles are allowed.
• No minimum age.
• No driver's license required.
• Helmet required for 17 and under.

Type 3 e-bike:

• Pedal-assisted.
• Assisted speed maxes out at 28 mph.
• Prohibited from Class l and Class lV bikeways.
• Minimum age 16
• No driver's license required.
• Helmet required for all ages

Any e-bike that assists the rider over 28 mph is not street legal and must stay off roads, sidewalks and multi-use trails and paths.

It is against the law in California to modify or otherwise tamper with electric bicycles in a way that changes the speed capability, unless the rider also changes the bicycle’s classification. Electric bicycles with motors of more than 750 watts, and bicycles with gas motors are technically motorcycles according to the law and require Class M licenses/helmets, registration and insurance.

What to know about passengers on e-bikes

• Most e-bikes are not equipped to carry passengers. Per CVC, e-bikes can only transport passengers if there is a permanent seat or when using a child safety seat.
• Passengers are required to wear a helmet if they are under 18.
• Type 3 e-bike riders must not transport passengers.

What are the rules of riding an e-bike?

E-bike operators must follow all road rules and avoid riding in a way that endangers people, property, or obstructs travel. In simple terms, this means you should ride with common sense and safety in mind! And of course, follow the rules.

All riders must:

• Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks.
• Obey posted speed limits. Exceeding the posted speed limit is a traffic violation.
• Only ride e-bikes (or any bike) where allowed.
• Remember, if your e-bike goes faster than 28 mph it is NOT an e-bike. It is an electric motorcycle and different laws apply.

To stay safe when riding an e-bike, you should also follow these tips to keep yourself and others safe:

• Educate yourself on road rules and use bike paths or bike lanes whenever possible.
• Wear appropriate gear, including a helmet designed for e-bike riders.
• Slow down ahead of intersections and hazards.
• Be visible with lights and reflectors.
• Use warning devices like bells.
• Keep tires properly inflated.
• Practice safe mounting and dismounting due to the weight of e-bikes.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and the Town of Woodside strongly recommend wearing a proper helmet when riding any bike, scooter, or similar wheeled transportation. It’s important to remember that e-bikes can reach high rates and speed – without a helmet, you face significantly higher risks of serious injury.

E-bikes have become especially popular for kids in Woodside. It’s important that parents talk with their children about safe operations. Riding fast on two wheels can be fun, but it can also be very dangerous especially for young or inexperienced riders. For information on the presentation, please email Melissa Cardinale.

Make sure you're familiar with your responsibilities when riding an e-bike. They are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Will the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office be enforcing these rules?

Absolutely. The Sheriff's Department is responsible for ensuring our community’s safety, and that includes making sure bicycles and e-bikes are being ridden correctly and considerately. Violators of these rules are subject to penalties. If you are an e-bike rider, know the rules, know your e-bike classification, and ride safely!

How should I report illegal or concerning bike behavior?

If you are witnessing unsafe or illegal behavior on an e-bike as it is happening, call 911. These behaviors include failure to follow the rules of the road, operating an e-bike in an area where it is prohibited, and reckless riding.

To report an incident that is no longer in-progress, call the 24-hour non-emergency dispatch line at 650-363-4911. 

It’s important that all riders follow the rules and ride with consideration for others. The safety of riders and those around them is the reason there are laws and regulations surrounding e-bikes.