December 16, 2024
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Please see the important message below from the Danville and San Ramon Police Departments to all SRVUSD families:
We want to ensure the safety and legality of transportation choices for your children. As the holiday season approaches, many parents are looking for exciting gifts for their children, and e-bikes have become a popular choice. There's been a concerning trend where motorcycles, particularly dirt bikes, are being misidentified as street-legal e-bikes. Please be aware: If a rider without a license operates a motorcycle (including a dirt bike) on public roads, they risk being cited for driving without a license, and the vehicle could be towed.
Here are some key definitions from the California Vehicle Code to help you make informed decisions:
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Class 1 E-Bike: A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph. No license is required.
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Class 2 E-Bike: Similar to Class 1, but the motor can propel the bike without pedaling, up to 20 mph. No license is required.
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Class 3 E-Bike: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling but can reach speeds up to 28 mph. Requires the rider to be at least 16 years old, and a helmet is mandatory. No license is required.
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Motorcycle: Defined as a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider, designed to travel on not more than three wheels, with a motor displacing more than 150 cubic centimeters. A motorcycle requires an M-1 endorsement on one's driver's license.
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Motor-Driven Cycle: A motorcycle with a motor displacing 150 cubic centimeters or less. This also requires an M-1 endorsement for operation on public roads.
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Moped: A two or three-wheeled device with fully operative pedals for human propulsion, an automatic transmission, and a motor that does not exceed 30 mph on level ground. A driver's license is not required, but the operator must be at least 16 years old.
It's crucial to check the specifications of any vehicle before purchase, especially if it's intended for road use. Misidentifying a motorcycle as an e-bike can lead to legal consequences for both the rider and the parent or guardian. Let's keep our community safe and our roads legal.
Practical Tips for Parents:
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Check Specifications: Look at the manufacturer's specifications for power output, speed, and whether the vehicle requires pedaling or can operate solely via throttle.
- Read the Manual: The operator's manual will clarify if it's an e-bike or a motorcycle by describing its capabilities and legal requirements.
- Talk to the Seller: Reputable sellers should be able to clarify the vehicle's classification and provide documentation on its legal status.
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Look for Markings: Some e-bikes will have markings or labels indicating their class under the California Vehicle Code or similar local regulations.
Please share this information with other parents and discuss with your children the importance of understanding these distinctions before they ride. You can also learn more at: www.danville.ca.gov/ebikes.
Thank you for your attention to this matter,
Allan Shields, Chief of Police
Town of Danville
Denton Carlson, Chief of Police
City of San Ramon
