Thanks to our efforts to date, most police departments in Marin County recognize that Super73s and other electric throttle devices ridden by our youth are illegal and have begun to enforce the current laws against them. A growing number of Marin public schools have banned them. And a class action law suit has been failed against Super73 for consumer fraud, seeking refunds for everyone who bought a Super73 thinking they were lawful.

This project is driven by three factors:  the “e-bike” serious injury rate for 10-15 year olds is 500% higher than other age groups; this age group favors throttle devices over “pedal assist” e-bikes; and most of the throttle devices are actually motorcycles or “e-motos” and other street legal.

As a result, we have advocated for passage of AB 1778 which now  authorizes Marin County and its municipalities to require throttle e-bikers to be at least 16.  These resulting ordinances went into effect in most places in Marin County effective July 1, 2025.  The Central Marin Police Authority has vowed to work with the schools to enforce the new law.  We are keeping a close eye on developments and encouraging the police to do their job.

We have also led the charge against “e-motos” — the throttle devices with motors more powerful than allowed for “e-bikes.”  Unlike legal throttle e-bikes with top motor-assisted speeds of 20 mph, “e-motos” can go 30-50 mph or more with the simple turn or push of a throttle.  To be legal, the driver must be licensed and the vehicle must be registered with DMW, insured, and equipped with safety equipment.  Few if any meet those requirements.  Thus, they are not street-legal for any age rider.  We have been encouraging local schools and police to enforce these existing laws.