Cities Adopt New Rules For E-Bikers, Launch Safety Campaign In This Bay Area County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — With many cities adopting the new ordinance around e-bike restrictions, Marin County has started a campaign to promote safety for e-bike riders.

In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1778, authored by Assemblymember Damon Connolly of San Rafael, which allows Marin jurisdictions to adopt stronger safety regulations for throttle-assisted e-bikes.

On May 20, the Marin County Board of Supervisors approved the adoption of an ordinance that prohibits riders under the age of 16 from riding Class 2 e-bikes and requires helmets for Class 2 riders of all ages. If riders are found breaking this law, a $25 fine will be enforceable.

There are three classes of legal e-bike in California. Class 1 is pedal-assisted, no throttle and goes a max assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 2 has a throttle, no pedaling is required and has a max-assisted speed of 20 mph. Class 3 is pedal-assisted, no throttle and has a max-assisted speed of 28 mph. California law already required Class 3 riders to be over the age of 16 and to wear a helmet.

Tiburon, Belvedere, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Fairfax and San Anselmo have all approved first readings of the same ordinance. Sausalito, Novato, San Rafael, and Ross plan to adopt ordinances soon. Before students head back to campuses in the new school year, all ordinances are expected to be in effect.

Between 2019 and 2022, Marin experienced a 110% surge in 911 calls for youth bicycle accidents. E-bike accidents among 10- to 15-year-olds are five times higher than for adults, while conventional bike accidents are only 1.5 times higher, according to a Marin County press release.

“Laws alone won’t change behavior, which is why we are leading with countywide education in a creative campaign that uses animation and social media,” said Mary Sackett, Board of Supervisors president who represents District 1. “Teen focus groups informed the campaign to create a style and tone that is appealing to young people.”

The E-Bikers Club campaign will look to educate teens and parents of the new laws and safety, fulfilling the legal requirement put forth by AB 1778 for a 30-day public information campaign before the ordinance is enforceable.