The rapid rise in electric bike accidents throughout California, including San Diego County, has led to calls for greater regulations due to safety concerns. Local authorities have expressed growing concern over reckless riding, improper use of bike lanes, and e-bike collisions with pedestrians. Several new bills related to e-bikes have been introduced this year, including Assembly Bill 2234. Read on to learn about San Diego e-bike laws and new bills being considered to improve e-bike safety.
What Is Assembly Bill 2234?
Assembly Bill 2234, also known as the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program, was introduced this year by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner.
This bill authorizes a local authority within the county of San Diego or unincorporated areas to adopt an ordinance prohibiting a person under the age of 12 from operating a Class 1 or 2 electric bicycle. Currently, there is no age requirement for riding Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes.
For the first 60 days following the adoption of this ordinance, a violation is punishable by a warning notice. After 60 days, a violation of this ordinance would be punishable by a $25 fine, except as specified. A parent or legal guardian of the minor who violates the ordinance would be liable for the fine.
San Diego E-Bike Laws
The California Vehicle Code identifies electric bicycles as motorized bicycles and not as motor vehicles. While e-bikes are a popular form of transportation, they must adhere to specific legal requirements.
Age Requirements
In California, the age requirements for e-bike use vary depending on the class of the motorized bicycle.
- There is no minimum age for riding Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes.
- Class 3 e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old.
Bicycle Helmet Laws
Helmets are crucial in preventing serious head injuries in the event of a fall or collision, and many e-bike safety advocates are pushing for stricter helmet laws for all e-bike users.
- California law requires all riders under 18 to wear a helmet when operating any type of e-bike.
- Helmets are mandatory for all Class 3 e-bike riders, regardless of age.
Do I Need a License or Registration?
Electric bicycles are not considered motor vehicles under the California Vehicle Code. This means e-bike users are not required to have a driver’s license or register their bikes with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
However, riders must follow the same traffic laws as traditional bicycles. Local authorities may also impose additional regulations, such as speed limits for e-bikes or restrictions on where they are permitted.
California Bike Accident Statistics
- In 2022, over 1,300 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents nationwide, a 10% increase from 2021. In California, there were 125 reported bicyclist fatalities.
- Data released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that injuries associated with all micromobility devices, including e-bikes, increased by about 21% in 2022 from 2021.
- Between 2017 and 2022, there were over 53,000 emergency room visits due to e-bike accidents.
- According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, from early 2020 to July 2023, there were 86 crashes involving e-bikes in San Diego County.
Are Electric Bicycles Dangerous?
While e-bikes offer a convenient and efficient way to get around, they can be dangerous when used improperly or recklessly. Riders unfamiliar with electric bicycles’ power and quick acceleration may find it difficult to control the bike, especially in crowded or high-traffic areas. Assembly Bill 1774, recently signed into law, targets the tampering of the speed mechanisms of electric bicycles, a primary concern raised by safety advocates.
Young riders under the age of 18 account for a growing percentage of e-bike accident victims. From 2017 to 2022, children 14 years and younger accounted for about 36% of micromobility injuries. E-bike accident injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones and life-threatening head trauma.
Assembly Bill 1774
California law defines an electric bicycle as a bike equipped with an electric motor of less than 750 watts. The law also prohibits modifying an electric bike to change its speed capability.
Assembly Bill 1774 aims to reduce the number of high-speed accidents involving electric bikes. Under this bill, a person is prohibited from selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle in a way that no longer meets the definition of an electric bike.
3 Classes of E-Bikes
California classifies e-bikes into three categories to help regulate who can ride them and where they can be used. It’s important to know San Diego e-bike laws and local regulations regarding where electric bikes are permitted.
Class 1 E-Bikes
- Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, meaning the electric motor assists the rider when they are pedaling.
- These low-speed electric bicycles have a maximum speed of 20 mph.
- Class 1 e-bikes can be used on bike paths and multi-use trails.
Class 2 E-Bikes
- This is a bicycle equipped with a throttle-activated motor, allowing riders to reach speeds up to 20 mph.
- Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths, roads, and certain multi-use trails unless restricted by a local ordinance.
Class 3 E-Bikes
- Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assisted with a maximum speed of 28 mph.
- Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.
- These e-bikes are restricted from certain bike paths and multi-use trails but are allowed on roads and designated bike lanes.
We Represent Bike Accident Victims
If you were injured in an electric bicycle accident caused by another party’s negligence, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Injuries from e-bike crashes can be severe and result in costly medical bills, emotional trauma, and long-term physical pain.
At Harbor Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping bicycle accident victims recover maximum compensation. We maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Our award-winning bicycle accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and recover fair compensation. Call us at (858) 757-8724 for a free consultation.