2 weeks Ago
E-bikes are growing in popularity on Marin roads.So is concern about their safety, especially for youths riding e-bikes that are more like mopeds than bicycles.That concern has prompted county supervisors to vote 4-0 to approve new rules that prohibit children under 16 from riding throttle-assisted electric bikes.
The county’s new rules would also require all riders of class 2 e-bikes, regardless of age, to wear helmets.These are public safety measures that make sense. They may not be popular with all e-bike sellers and riders, but the new rules are measures meant to save lives or limit potential injuries.
The county’s action affects only unincorporated areas, but there is a strong case for Marin’s towns and cities to take action, as well.The county’s rules, if they receive final approval on May 20, would go into effect on July 1.The new age limit applies to class 2 e-bikes that have throttles powering their electric engine and enabling them to reach at least 20 mph.
Youth under 16 are already prohibited by state law from riding class 3 e-bikes, which are pedal-assisted, that can travel up to 28 mph.The rationale is understandable. If youths have to be at least 16 to drive a car, the same restriction should apply to e-bikes, electrified vehicles that can reach faster speeds.
The bikes’ heavier weight and quick acceleration have led to a record of serious injuries.Last year, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Marin Assemblymember Damon Connolly’s bill into law permitting the county to adopt restrictions as part of a pilot program that will last until 2029.
Marin Supervisor Mary Sackett, who worked with Connolly on the bill, is right in stressing “this is not anti-bike or e-bike.” The objective is to save lives and limbs.Adopting the law countywide – and promoting e-bike safety awareness – can provide data demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing e-bike accidents.
Part of the law requires Marin municipalities that adopt local laws to prepare a report to the state Legislature including data on traffic stops and citations.Data of e-bike accidents kept since 2023 show that e-bike riders ages 10 to 15 have a five-times higher accident rate than other older age groups. Over that period, there have been 187 911 calls for accidents involving e-bikes.
Further, according to county-compiled data, more than a third of the e-bike injuries have involved youths younger than 16.Related ArticlesGeorge Russell: Class 2 e-bikes come under scrutiny for Marin youthMarin County supervisors back e-bike restrictions for youthsThe Marin County Bicycle Coalition supports the ordinance.State and local laws are playing catch-up to the growing popularity of e-bikes, especially those that are equipped to ride more like mopeds than a pedal-propelled, nonelectric Schwinn.
Pedal-assist e-bikes have become a viable option for people to get around. They make the ride up hills a lot less arduous than human-powered bikes.When it comes to safety, public awareness and education likely will be more important and simpler than writing tickets.
Growing awareness among parents – those who are buying the bikes for their kids and letting them ride them – is critical.Right now, it appears many parents haven’t got the message.The supervisors’ approval is an important first step in following up on Connolly’s trial.
A countywide approach also will be easier, both for public education efforts, enforcement, compliance and protecting our kids from severe injuries..
