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AB 1778 is a new state law that created the Marin E-bike Safety Pilot that:
- Prohibits children under 16 from riding Class 2 (throttle) e-bikes
- Requires all Class 2 e-bike riders (regardless of age) to wear helmets
This new law supplements existing state laws, which already:
- Require riders to be 16+ for Class 3 e-bikes
- Require helmets for all riders under 18
Summer 2025
In California, the State Vehicle Code governs e-bike classifications, age limits, helmet requirements, and where e-bikes can be ridden. Local governments cannot change these rules on their own — only the State Legislature can authorize exceptions.
AB 1778 (Connolly, 2024) grants that exception specifically to Marin, allowing cities, towns and the County to adopt ordinances that:
- Prohibit riders under age 16 from using Class 2 e-bikes
- Require all Class 2 e-bike riders to wear helmets
This does not apply statewide and was written as a pilot program just for Marin County.
In California, e-bike riders are subject to the same traffic laws as traditional bicyclists. These include:
- Failing to stop at stop signs or red lights. California Vehicle Code (CVC) §21200 requires cyclists, including e-bike riders, to obey all traffic signals and signs.
- Speeding. E-bike riders must adhere to posted speed limits and not exceed the maximum speed for their e-bike class (20 mph for Class 1 and 2; 28 mph for Class 3).
- Riding on sidewalks where prohibited. Most cities in Marin do not allow bicycle or e-bike riders on sidewalks.
- Helmet violations. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet on any bike or e-bike. All riders must wear helmets on Class 3 e-bikes, regardless of age. In Marin, all riders of Class 2 e-bikes must also wear helmets.
- Carrying passengers illegally. E-bikes designed for one person cannot carry passengers unless equipped with an additional permanent seat. Passengers must wear helmets as well.
- Reckless riding. Behaviors like weaving through traffic, wheelies, or riding against the direction of traffic.
Riding an e-bike underage. In California, Class 3 e-bikes are limited to 16+. In Marin, Class 2 e-bikes are also limited to 16+.
If you receive a traffic violation for any of the instances above -- refer to the ticket for instructions and next steps. Most tickets require paying a fine and/or a traffic safety course.
All e-bikes must have fully operable pedals and a motor that is a maximum of 750 watts. There are three classes of e-bikes.
Class 1: Pedal-assist, up to 20 mph
Class 2: Throttle (no pedaling), up to 20 mph (16+ in Marin County beginning this summer)
Class 3: Pedal-assist, up to 28 mph (16+ only statewide)
Marin’s new law under AB 1778 (which limits Class 2 e-bikes to riders 16 and older) builds on steps local schools have already taken—many middle schools in Marin have restricted parking of Class 2 e-bikes on campus since 2023. As a result, some families have already chosen to transition younger riders to Class 1 e-bikes.
If your child is close to turning 16, it may make sense to hold onto the Class 2 e-bike until they are legally allowed to ride it. If they still have a while to go, you might consider exchanging it through an upcycle program or reselling it via a local bike shop or a trusted online resale marketplace. Many local shops also offer trade-in options and guidance on finding the right fit.
Marin’s new rules were informed by safety data: 10-15 year olds have a significantly higher rate of serious injury on e-bikes. Class 1 e-bikes -- with their pedal assist -- offer more stability and control for young riders than Class 2 which can be powered with throttle alone. And no matter the e-bike type, it’s important that young riders are confident and skilled riders on a regular bike first—e-bikes are heavier, faster, and require strong awareness and balance to ride safely.
Under California law, legal e-bikes are classified as bicycles rather than motor vehicles. Since they are not motor vehicles, they are exempt from licensing, registration, and insurance requirements that apply to cars and motorcycles. Motor vehicles in Cailfornia are regulated by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Some schools in Marin have specific e-bike registration policies -- and nearly all schools have e-bike parking policies consistent with Marin’s new e-bike rules. Check with your school to get the most up to date information on their policies around e-bikes.
Many bike shops in Marin only provide maintenance for e-bike models they sell. If you bought an e-bike online or through a resale marketplace, and you're not able to do maintenance yourself, it's a good idea to call ahead and check whether your local shop will service your specific model.
E-bikes need more frequent maintenance than regular bikes to stay safe and reliable. They're heavier, wear through brake pads faster, and their motors and electrical parts require regular tune-ups to function properly.
E-bikes sold in the U.S. are regulated as consumer products by the federal U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). However, federal standards mostly cover basic manufacturing safety, like how the battery and brakes function, not whether the bike complies with California’s specific vehicle laws. In California, a “legal” e-bike must:
- Have operable pedals
- Have a motor no more powerful than 750 watts
- Fall into one of three defined classes (Class 1, 2, or 3), with clear labeling
Some online sellers market e-bikes that don’t meet these criteria, like models with more powerful motors, no pedals, or that aren’t labeled by class. These bikes may not be street-legal in California.
Unfortunately, online marketplaces don’t always flag these issues for buyers. That’s why it’s important to check the specs carefully and make sure the e-bike you're buying is compliant with California law, especially if it’s meant for a younger rider or use on public roads and paths.
You can visit Safe Routes to Schools for more information.
Speed restrictions, tandem riding only on bikes intended for multiple riders, stay away from aftermarket modifications, wear certified helmets, be aware of others when riding on sidewalks, and no riding against traffic.
You can get involved by taking the E-Bikers Club Pledge to commit to safe riding practices, and by sharing this resource with friends, family, and your community to help spread the word about e-bike safety