Electric Bikes, Scooters, and Motorcycles

Here are some important e-bike safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself in the event of an accident.

• Obey all traffic laws. This includes riding in the same direction as traffic and signaling your turns and stops.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Be on the lookout for cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists.

• Use the throttle assist wisely. Don't accelerate too quickly, especially when cornering or riding in wet or slippery conditions.

• Maintain your e-bike regularly. Make sure the brakes are working properly, and the tires are properly inflated.

A note from the Thousand Oaks Police Department Traffic Bureau

We have seen an uptick in vehicle collisions involving the youth in our community. Oftentimes, parents are shocked when they learn their child was actually deemed at fault in the collision.

Anytime pedestrians or bicyclists are mixed with motorists, there is inherently an increased risk. We hope through education, we can help avoid the risk of serious injury to your most precious belonging; your children.

First, allow us to address bicyclists. The vehicle code requires them to follow the rules of the road, and a rider is actually considered a “Motorist” in the event of a traffic collision. So, the kids who ride on the wrong side of the road, run stop signs, or cut across lanes will most likely actually be at fault if they were to be struck by a vehicle.

Growing in popularity is the e-bike. A bicycle that can be pedaled with minimal work and travel up to 20 mph, what can go wrong? It goes without saying that once speed is increased, the likelihood of injuries increases as well. Let’s discuss electric bicycles.

There are 3 classes of electric bicycles:

Electric Bicycles
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Three classes of electric bicycles have been established:

· Class 1: A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.

· Class 2: A low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.

· Class 3: A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached.

The operator of a Class 3 electric bicycle:

· Must be 16 years old or older.

· Must wear a bicycle safety helmet.

· Must not transport passengers.

· May ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority/ordinance.

All electric bicycle classes are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, driver's license, and license plate requirements (CVC §24016).
You can find this information and much more here.

Electric Motorcycles

There is one more electric style “Bicycle” we want to address, commonly known as “Surron” pictured below:

This vehicle does not fit into any of the three classifications of electric bicycles described above. This means it is not considered an electric bike at all. Instead, it is considered a motorcycle. This vehicle is not allowed to be operated on the roads without being registered at DMV. I know too many of our kids it may look cool and top the list of wants on their Christmas or birthday wish lists. Did you know this vehicle can reach speeds up to 70 mph. Here is some food for thought, for an experienced driver, the total stopping distance at 70 mph is 388 feet!

This means by the time a dangerous situation is recognized, this vehicle will travel 388 feet before completely stopping.

These off-highway motorcycles must have headlights, signals, stopping lights, mirrors, registration, a license plate, and insurance to name a few. The rider of this motorcycle would have to have a valid California Driver’s License with a motorcycle endorsement and a DOT-approved Motorcycle Helmet. These electric motorcycles are sold as off-highway motorcycles and can never be operated on the street without the above equipment, license, and registration.

So how do we keep our children safe? Education. Please take the time to educate them on the dangers of the road. Technology has been both our best friend and worst enemy. Inattention by motorists is real, and although we conduct enforcement for speeding, cell phone use, and distracted driving, we cannot catch everyone. Please educate your children not to assume they are being seen by motorists, observe the right of way, slow down, ride on the right side of the road, and be diligent with protecting themselves by wearing their helmets.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department hopes this was educational for all parents in the community we serve. We are hoping through education and good partnership, we can avoid collisions and keep our children safe. If you have any questions, please reach out to our traffic unit at (805) 494-8200.