Electric Bikes

Electric bikes are becoming ubiquitous, enabling more folks to get out of their cars and travel on two wheels. As with any new technology, greater use has come with a few conflicts. These resources can help you and your family ride with safety and ease.

Why Might You Consider an E-Bike?

  • Injury, disability, age, fitness issues
  • You live on a steep hill
  • You want to get there faster
  • You want to keep up with others who are faster
  • You carry children, groceries, etc.
  • Environmental concerns (reducing GHG emissions)
  • You want to save money
  • You want to ride to work and not be sweaty
  • You want to have FUN

Please note that considerations for children and e-bikes are different. SCBC always recommends opting for non-electric bikes when possible. Our Safe Routes to School team has assembled this helpful flyer with additional considerations and information pertaining to e-bikes and children.

Considerations When Choosing an E-Bike

What kind of riding do you do now? How frequently do you ride?

  • Almost any type of bike that exists — road bike, beach cruiser, townie, mountain bike, cargo bike, folding bike, tricycle — comes in an electric version!
  • The electric version will be heavier (motor and battery) than a similar non-electric bike.
  • Try out different bikes to see what fits and feels comfortable to your body! (Plus buying from a local shop means you have a local resource for repairs, warranty issues and accessories.)

Considerations specific to e-bikes:

What class of e-bike?

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) lists three classes of e-bikes. This is important to consider as which one you buy can influence WHERE and by WHOM it can be ridden. All e-bike motors must be no more than 750 watts. The bike must bear a sticker identifying its class.

  • Class 1 e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph and no throttle.
  • Class 2 e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph and a throttle.
  • Class 3 e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph and no throttle.

There are more powerful two-wheeled vehicles with pedals that are marketed as e-bikes but do not meet these legal standards and can not be legally ridden on bike paths, nor can they be ridden by unlicensed drivers. In response to injuries caused by riders of these bikes, many jurisdictions in the state (including neighboring Marin County) have sought to add additional limitations. A new state law went into effect January 2025 first clarifying the regulation of e-bikes with throttles, forbidding e-bikes with apps capable of increasing their speed. (Unfortunately, there are many of these modifiable bikes still out there. Here’s a good article on the problem with e-bike modifications.)

These are NOT e-bikes.

We do not generally recommend e-bikes for children under 16, and only recommend Class 1 e-bikes if they are considered necessary. Our Safe Routes to School program has e-bike info for kids and parents. Both the Marin County Bicycle Coalition and the American Bicycling Education Association have e-bike courses for teens. SCBC is working on one of our own.

Where is the motor?

  • Mid-drive motors are found on higher-end bikes, and put the weight and the  power in the center of the bike, which many people feel makes the bike better balanced.
  • Hub-drive motors are most often in the rear wheel, often in lower-priced bikes, and can feel like you are being pushed; also makes the bike heavier in the back than in the front.
  • Some people convert existing bikes to electric bikes with  a front wheel hub motor.

Where is the battery?

  • Most e-bikes have the battery mounted externally, which means it can be removed for charging indoors.
  • Some have the battery inside the frame, which means you must plug in the whole bike.

Safety Considerations for E-Bikes

With greater speed comes greater responsibility! Stop times will be slower. Drivers may not expect you to be moving as fast as you actually are (especially uphill). You can take CyclingSavvy’s e-bike safety course online here to learn more about how the greater speed of an e-bike affects its handling. Our instructors are also available to teach on-bike classes.

Rules & Regulations Specific to E-Bikes

NOTE: Policies regarding e-bikes are in a state of flux, especially local rules about where you can and can’t ride them. Before riding in a new place, check local rules. We will strive to keep this information updated here!

Where can I ride my e-bike?

  • CVC says Class 1 & 2 e-bikes can be ridden anywhere a regular bike can, unless a local jurisdiction makes different rules. Class 3 e-bikes can only be ridden by people aged 16 and up and a helmet must be worn. They are NOT allowed on Class 1, separated bikeways such as the Joe Rodota Trail.

  • The speed limit on ALL Class 1 trails is 15 mph, no matter how fast your bike can go! Be nice to the pedestrians!
  • Class 1 e-bikes are allowed in Sonoma County Regional Parks. E-bikes are prohibited on trails in Annadel State Park. Federal lands – National Parks, National Forests, and BLM – allow e-bikes wherever regular bikes are allowed.

 

How about public transit?

  • You can take your e-bike on the SMART train.
  • Sonoma County Transit, Petaluma Transit, and Santa Rosa Transit don’t prohibit e-bikes.
  • Golden Gate Transit allows them on ferries (you may need to carry it up and down stairs). Electric bikes are only allowed on GGT buses that are equipped with front-mounted bike racks. Batteries must remain on the bike and the bike cannot weigh more than 55 pounds.

Other Common Questions

 How many miles will I get per charge? How long does it take to charge?

  • It takes 3-5 hours to fully charge an e-bike battery.
  • Many factors influence how many miles you can travel on one charge:
    • Battery power
    • Terrain (flat or hilly) and weather (wind)
    • Weight (bike + rider + cargo)
    • How much assist you use (bikes have 2-5 varying levels)

How do I keep my bike secure?

  • Get a good U-lock
  • Consider double locking
  • Bring the bike indoors
  • Bring the battery indoors with you
  • Replace quick-release levers
  • Other tips here

Aren’t they expensive?

Prices are coming down! Unfortunately, the state’s e-bike subsidy program for low-income folks has been killed (California Bicycle Coalition is lobbying for more funding for the program.) Subsidizing e-bikes is a more cost-effective way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions than subsidizing electric cars!

Used e-bikes are becoming more available; Upway is a company that refurbishes used e-bikes and includes a one-year warranty.

But isn’t it cheating?

IT’S NOT CHEATING IF YOU’RE NOT IN A RACE! You’re riding a bike instead of a car, still getting exercise and still reducing GHG emissions! That said, it’s a good idea when registering for an organized ride to double-check their policies regarding e-bikes.

More Info

updated 03/03/2026