Danville Police To Hold E-Bike Enforcement Day

DANVILLE, CA — On May 21, the Danville 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. They are allowed to ride on roads and in designated bike lanes in Danville, but not on the Iron Horse Trail. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on the Iron Horse Trail.

It is illegal in Danville to ride a bike, e-bike, electric skateboard, or electric scooter on any sidewalk in the Downtown Business District.

See here for Danville regulations for e-bikes, motorized scooters, and more, and here for state laws.

"Electric bikes are a great way to travel, but safety must come first! This coordinated effort aims to ensure responsible riding, prevent accidents, and create safer streets for everyone," police said in a statement. 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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