What Can My Jurisdiction Do To Address the E-Moto Problem and Reduce Youth Injuries and Fatalities?
Find out what your youth are actually riding. With the schools’ permission, physically count the number and brands of bicycles, e-bikes (by class) and e-motos.
Reminder: Throttle or class 2 e-bikes cannot have a motor larger than 750 watts or capable of working above 20 mph. If it does, it’s an e-moto, and licensing and registration requirements apply. Most e-motos are not street legal for any age rider.
2. If your experience is anything like Marin's, you will find that the large majority of so-called "e-bikes" at your schools are actually "e-motos." Operating an e-moto without a driver’s license and DMV registration is a crime in California and most states. Enforcing these laws will have a major, immediate impact.
3, Expand your authority. The California state legislature has already authorized Marin and San Diego counties to enact pilot programs for minimum ages for throttle Class 2 e-bikes (which will also cover e-motos mislabeled as e-bikes). Other counties should ask their state legislators to obtain the same authority for their counties. This will provide a complementary way to educate parents, help schools keep their students safe, and aid law enforcement.