San Ramon Police To Hold E-Bike Enforcement Day

SAN RAMON, CA — On May 21, the San Ramon Police Department will join all other Tri-Valley police departments to enforce e-bike regulations.

The increasingly popular form of transportation comes with regulations with which many are not completely familiar. The California Vehicle Code divides legal e-bikes into three classes:

• Class 1: A low-speed pedal-assisted e-bike with a motor that assists only when the the rider is pedaling, and does not go over 20 mph.
• Class 2: A low-speed throttle-assisted e-bike with a motor used exclusively to propel the bike. It is also incapable of assisting once a speed greater than 20 mph is reached.
• Class 3: A pedal-assisted e-bike with a speedometer and a motor that assists only when the the rider is pedaling. The motor stops providing assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached.

Operators of a Class 3 electric bicycle must be 16 years or older, wear a bicycle safety helmet, and cannot transport passengers. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on the Iron Horse Trail with a speed limit of 15 mph, but Class 3 bikes are not.

See here for state laws. Motorists are advised to know and follow the rules, ride responsibly, and be aware of pedestrians, vehicles, and other cyclists on the road.

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