05/20/2026
This posting is very lengthy as it addresses e-bike safety and laws that are applicable to the City of Sonoma as well as the rest of the County and State. It is important as we are seeing more e-bikes and human powered bikes on the roadways around Sonoma. As we head into the summer months, many of these riders being youth riders. We are hopeful that parents and youth will read this and understand the laws and lawful types of e-bikes before you put your children on the roadway with them. An important thing to remember is whether you are riding a human powered bicycle, or the electric variety, you must still follow the rules of the road and are subject to the same laws that govern all other vehicles. (California Vehicle Code 21200(a)(1))
As the e-bike’s appearance and enjoyment is evolving from a standard-looking bicycle to more of a motorcycle-like appearance, youth are finding their way to the seats of these modes of transportation. Safety of the youth riding these e-bikes as well as human powered bicycles starts at home with parents ensuring that their kids only have access to e-bikes that are legal to be ridden on public roadways and they know the rules of the road to keep them safe and riding lawfully.
The California Highway Patrol created an online “Electric Bicycle Safety and Training” course that is very informative for parents considering these for their kids as well as for the kids that are going to be riding these e-bikes. The course teaches you most of what you need to know about what a street legal e-bike is, what safety gear is required, rules of the road, and what to do in the event of an accident. The following link will take you directly to the training course: https://rise.articulate.com/share/yB3Hip8AYzOGdY0dqnd42mQ3k0c6Jza1 #/ Or you can visit the CHP Website that has the link above as well as other valuable links to bicycle and pedestrian safety on California roadways: https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/services-information/Bike-and-Ped-Safety/
E-bikes are identified in the California Vehicle Code as Class 1-3. Each class has unique attributes and rules to follow. To simplify the law, Class 1 and Class 2 have two wheels and a pedal/crank system and an electric motor that will assist the rider in pedaling up to 20 mph. Once these reach 20 mph, the electric motor will no longer assist the rider. Class 1 has a pedal activated motor that will assist only when actively pedaling. Class 2 has a throttle that can be activated while pedaling or independent of the pedals moving. Both of these classes of e-bikes can be ridden by all ages where bicycles can legally be ridden. Anyone under the age of 18 must be always wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle, regardless of how it is powered.
Class 3 e-bikes can go faster than 20 mph but cannot exceed 28 mph and can only be ridden by someone over the age of 16. Class 3 e-bikes cannot be ridden on bike or pedestrian trails but can be ridden on public roadways so long as all rules of the road are followed by the rider. Anyone riding a class 3 e-bike must wear a helmet, regardless of age.
Any electric bike with a motor of 750 watts or more is not a class 1-3 e-bike and requires DMV registration, insurance, and a valid drivers license to operate. All e-bikes sold in California after 2017 are required to have a sticker affixed to them that displays the class and wattage of the motor.
Every e-bike is required to have “Fully Operable Pedals” (CVC 312.5). We are aware there are several companies that ship e-bikes to customers with both crank/pedals as well as a peg (like on a motorcycle) that can be attached when assembled. In California, if the bike does not have a fully operable pedal/crank, it does not qualify as an e-bike. This is a very important differentiation as this becomes a moped or motorcycle and will require a valid drivers license, registration, and insurance. To be clear, the meaning of “fully operable” is that the crank must be capable of propelling the bike manually.
The City of Sonoma has additional city ordinances that govern the use of bicycles on sidewalks and bicycle/pedestrian paths. These ordinances are like the above listed state laws, with a few further restrictions that are important to know. Specific to the Sonoma Plaza no bicycles, whether powered by humans or motor driven (including e-bikes) can be ridden on any sidewalk of the plaza, all four sides of the plaza and both sides of the roadways. This includes the Plaza Park itself, all bicycles must be walked through the plaza, not ridden. For the rest of the City of Sonoma, the ordinances allow the riding of bicycles and class 1 & 2 e-bikes on sidewalks and bike paths so long as the speed does not endanger the safety of pedestrians.
Link to Chapter 10.74 of the City of Sonoma Municipal Code- https://sonoma.municipal.codes/SMC/10.74
These laws have been designed to provide a safe mode of transportation for people of all ages across the city and state. We have seen some very dangerous bicycle and e-bike operations around the city. It is our hope that all parents can spend time with their kids reviewing the CHP link to bicycle safety before they head out of the door and enter the roadways where unsafe operation can lead to very serious physical and emotional injuries.
Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes) are a growing trend that allow riders to bike at higher speeds and travel greater distances. With the increase in E-Bike popularity, the need for safety education and training is essential. Click on the link to take the E-Bike training under the “Electric Bicycle Trai...
