Full Notification

The Central Marin Police Authority would like to remind our communities of laws regarding the use of E-Scooters and E-Bikes.

1. Minors have to wear helmets (California Vehicle Code §21235(c)) California Vehicle Code (CVC) §21235 was specifically written for E-scooters, which have an electric motor, a floorboard, and handlebars. One of the sections in it requires riders under 18 to use a bicycle helmet while on an E-scooter. That bike helmet has to fit properly. It also has to be fastened. Adults do not have to comply with this requirement. They can ride E-scooters without wearing a helmet. E-scooter companies like Lime, Bird and Spin recommend only riding with a helmet. Riding without one is often done at your own risk.

2. Maximum speed is 15 mph (CVC §22411) CVC §22411 is the state law that puts a speed limit on E-scooters. That speed limit is 15 miles per hour. Going over this speed limit can result in a traffic stop and a ticket. That ticket can cost up to $250.

3. Use bike lanes (CVC §21229) CVC §21229 requires E-scooters be ridden in bike lanes (a.k.a. bikeways, bike paths, or bicycle paths) whenever one is available. The traffic law refers to a “Class II bicycle lane.” This type of bicycle lane is on the right edge of a street and has a solid white line on each side. It usually has a bicycle symbol inside the white borders. It only facilitates one-way riding. The law only allows for 4 exceptions to riding in a Class II bike lane:

-While passing another vehicle or pedestrian,
-When completing a left-hand turn,
-To avoid debris or other hazards in the bike lane, or
-When turning right.

4. No tandem rides, stay off the sidewalks, and have a valid license (CVC §21235) In addition to requiring E-scooter riders to wear a helmet, CVC §21235 forbids:

-Riding with a passenger on the scooter (also known as a “tandem ride”)
-Riding an E-scooter on the sidewalk,
-Driving an E-scooter without having a valid drivers’ license. (The only time you are allowed to ride an E-scooter on the sidewalk is to park the scooter or get a parked scooter onto the street.)

5. Crosswalk rules (CVC §275) CVC §275 defines a crosswalk. At street intersections that are approximately right angles, crosswalks are technically sidewalks under this definition. Under CVC §21235(g), it is a traffic violation to ride an E-scooter on a sidewalk. Therefore, it is also a violation to ride one in a crosswalk.

6. E-scooters have to follow traffic rules like a motor vehicle (CVC §21221) CVC §21221 is a “catch-all” traffic law for E-scooters. E-scooters have all the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle. 

Electric Bicycles (e-bikes) Laws 

1, An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Per Assembly Bill No. 1096, manufacturers or distributers of E-bikes must affix a label to each bicycle that describes its classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. E-bikes do not need to be registered, insured or taxed and no license is required for the rider (24616 CVC). 

2. Three (3) classes of electric bicycles have been established: 

- Class 1: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed wherever bikes are allowed, unless otherwise posted (bike paths, bike lanes, bike routes). Same rules apply to e-bike riders as bike riders while on the roadway. Ages 17 and under must wear a helmet. 

- Class 2: A low speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached. Class 2 e-bikes are also allowed wherever bikes are allowed, unless otherwise posted. Ages 17 and under must wear a helmet. 

- Class 3: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached. 

3. Must wear a helmet while riding a Class 3 e-bike, regardless of age. 

4. In Marin County, e-bikes cannot exceed 15 mph on any County-maintained pathway. Bicycles will boost up to 20 MPH, but riders are unable to exceed 15 mph. 

5. You CANNOT ride a Class 3 e-bike on a bike path and must ride the e-bike in a bike lane or bike route. 

6. As of 2022, there are no statutes that authorize or prohibit riding e-bikes or bicycles on “sidewalks”, however Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on multi-use paths and bike lanes where bicycles are also permitted which could be interpreted to include sidewalks. It is up to each specific County to impose their own law about sidewalks. 

7. Marin County Ordinance on e-bikes: 

- Marin’s updated ordinance allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on public roads and parking lots within Marin County Parks facilities, and on County paved bicycle and multiuse pathways. 

- Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are also allowed in other areas when specifically signed to permit them. 

- Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited within Parks facilities except upon public roadways and parking lots or when specifically signed to permit them.