Full Notification

Important Update: E-Bike Age Restrictions in Marin County (Effective July 1, 2025)

We want to correct a previous message about e-bike age requirements in Marin County.

✅ Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist only, max 20 mph):
➡️ No minimum age under California law. Helmets required if under 18.

❌ Class 2 e-bikes (throttle-powered, max 20 mph):
➡️ Starting July 1, 2025, it will be illegal for anyone under 16 to operate a Class 2 e-bike in Marin County.

✅ Class 3 e-bikes (pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph):
➡️ Riders must be 16 or older and wear a helmet.

⚠️ Schools may also set additional restrictions for student use.

Additonally, please see the "E-Bikers Pledge" from https://www.marincounty.gov/your-government/e-bikersclub

Click here to sign the pledge! https://www.marincounty.gov/your-government/e-bikersclub/e-bikers-club-pledge

We regret any confusion and thank the community for helping keep this information current.— Sgt. Jeff Peterson

 

As e-bike use continues among students and families in our community, it’s important that everyone understands the new e-bike laws and school-specific policies going into effect this summer. These changes are part of California Assembly Bill 1778 (AB 1778) and new Marin County guidelines aimed at improving safety and reducing injuries on our roads and campuses.

⚠️ What’s Changing – Key Laws and Requirements

Minimum Age:

• In Marin County, riders must be 16 or older to use Class 2 (throttle-powered) or Class 3 (high-speed pedal-assist) e-bikes.

E-Bike Class Overview:

• Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and can go up to 20 mph. These are legal for all ages.
• Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle (no pedaling required) and also max out at 20 mph. These are only legal for riders 16 and older.
• Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, but can reach speeds up to 28 mph. These are only legal for riders 16 and older, helmets are required, and they are not allowed on most bike paths.

Legal E-Bikes Must:

• Have working pedals
• Be equipped with a motor no greater than 750 watts

We encourage all riders—especially youth—to gain experience on traditional bicycles before transitioning to e-bikes. These bikes are faster, heavier, and require advanced balance, judgment, and awareness to ride safely.

School Campus Guidelines – Fall 2025

To protect students and staff, Marin County schools will begin enforcing the following rules on-campus and for school commutes this fall:

• Elementary and Middle School Students may ride Class 1 e-bikes and regular bicycles.
• Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed at elementary or middle schools.
• High School Students may ride any legal e-bike, including Class 2 and Class 3, if they are 16 or older.
• Illegal e-bikes, including those with motors over 750 watts or throttle-powered bikes without pedals are not allowed at any school level.

E-Bikers Club Pledge

I pledge to always wear a helmet and stay focused and alert while riding. 
I will follow all traffic laws and be mindful of others on the road.

1. ✔️ I will only ride the e-bike I'm legally allowed to (Class 2 & 3 are for ages 16+).
    
2. ✔️ I will keep my e-bike’s speed settings legal—no tampering.
    
3. ✔️ I always wear a buckled helmet.
    
4. ✔️ I ride predictably and follow traffic laws, including speed limits.
    
5. ✔️ I give people plenty of space—on foot, in cars, or on bikes.
    
6. ✔️ If my bike is made for one, I ride solo.
    
7. ✔️ I stay alert and ride focused—no distractions.
    

We want to emphasize that we will continue to work closely with schools to keep illegal e-bikes off campus and prevent them from being ridden to and from school. Safety education and awareness efforts will remain a shared priority between CMPA and school leadership.

A Message to Families

Please ensure your child rides a bike that is safe, legal, and age-appropriate. We strongly support cycling as a healthy, sustainable way for students to get to school, but safety must come first. Parents and guardians play a critical role in helping kids understand and follow the rules.

Tools and Resources

To help families and schools adjust to these new standards, we recommend visiting E-BikersClub.com, where you’ll find:

• E-bike safety tips
• Legal updates
• School-specific guidance
• Resources for parents and students

Our Approach

The Central Marin Police Authority is committed to an education-first approach. Our goal is to keep everyone safe—not just issue citations—but enforcement, including citations, will be carried out if necessary.

You’ll see officers:

• Working with schools
• Visiting campuses
• Engaging with riders to promote awareness and accountability

Let’s work together to keep Central Marin rolling safely—on two wheels and with community spirit.

Ride smart. Ride safe.

Respectfully,

Sergeant Jeff Peterson, PIO
Central Marin Police Authority