Dear Fremont Community,
E-bikes are helping people across our community get to work, run errands, stay active, and enjoy Fremont. Whether you ride often or are just getting started, we want every trip to feel comfortable, predictable, and safe.
Please prepare now: e-bike enforcement begins February 1, 2027. Through January, Fremont Police Department will continue sharing education and injury-prevention information so riders have time to learn the rules, check their equipment, and make any needed changes. Beginning February 1, applicable e-bike and electric-device laws will be enforced.
E-bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles and can accelerate quickly. Falls or collisions can cause cuts, broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries—especially when a motor vehicle is involved. The good news is that a few simple habits can lower the risk.
Start with the right e-bike
- Class 1: Pedal assistance up to 20 mph; riders under 18 must wear a helmet
- Class 2: May use a throttle; assistance up to 20 mph; riders under 18 must wear a helmet
- Class 3: Pedal assistance up to 28 mph and a speedometer. Riders must be at least 16, and every Class 3 rider must wear a helmet at all times.
A legal e-bike must have fully operable pedals and a motor that does not exceed 750 watts. Modified, overpowered, or out-of-class devices may not be legal on public roads, even if they are sold as “e-bikes.”
An e-motorcycle should not be confused with an e-bike. An e-motorcycle is a motorcycle-style vehicle powered by an electric motor; it does not have pedals. It is not an e-bike and would require registration, a motorcycle license, insurance, and a motorcycle helmet—or may be restricted to approved off-highway areas or private property. These are not meant for kids!
Your five-minute pre-ride check
- Fit: Make sure you can comfortably reach the ground, handlebars, brakes, and controls. A step-through frame may help some riders mount and dismount more easily.
- Helmet: Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every trip. California requires one for riders under 18 and all Class 3 riders; it is a smart choice for everyone.
- Bike: Check tires, brakes, wheels, chain, lights, battery attachment, and controls.
- Route: Choose a route that matches your comfort and experience. Check weather, lighting, road conditions, and battery range.
- Practice: If the bike is new to you, practice starting, stopping, turning, signaling, looking behind, and changing assistance levels in a low-traffic area. Begin with the lowest assistance setting.
While you ride
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and obey signs and signals.
- Be predictable: signal before turning and look before changing position.
- Slow down near intersections, driveways, parked cars, pedestrians, trails, wet pavement, gravel, potholes, and construction.
- Keep both hands available. Secure groceries and work bags in a rack, basket, or pannier—not on the handlebars.
- Put your phone away, keep your hearing available for traffic, and never ride while impaired.
- Give yourself extra stopping room, especially in traffic, on busy paths, or when visibility or traction is limited.
Help others see you
California requires compliant red rear visibility equipment whenever an e-bike is operated. In darkness, use the other required lights and reflectors, including a white front light. Bright or reflective clothing can add visibility.
Park and charge with care
Park without blocking sidewalks, ramps, doorways, or emergency access, and lock the frame and wheel to a secure rack when possible. Use only the manufacturer-supplied charger or an approved replacement. Stay nearby while charging, unplug when complete, and never charge while sleeping. Stop using a battery or charger that is damaged, altered, overheating, swollen, leaking, or producing an unusual odor.
What changes on February 1, 2027
Beginning February 1, 2027, Fremont Police Department will enforce applicable e-bike and electric-device laws. Riders stopped for violations may receive citations. An unlawful e-bike may be towed or impounded, including when it cannot be safely or legally operated from the scene.
What Enforcement May Look Like
Officers will evaluate both the rider and the vehicle to determine whether it complies with California law. Examples of enforcement actions may include:
- Minors riding an e-bike that is not legal for their age, license status, or the type of vehicle being operated may be cited. Parents or guardians may also be cited when applicable. If the minor is not accompanied by a parent or guardian, officers may contact the parent or guardian. The vehicle may be towed or impounded if it cannot be legally or safely operated from the scene.
- Riders who are required by law to wear a helmet and fail to do so may be cited. If the vehicle cannot be legally operated from the scene, it may be towed or impounded.
- Modified or illegally equipped vehicles, including those capable of speeds or operation beyond what is permitted for e-bikes under California law (e.g., a motor of more than 750 watts, capable speed of 28+ mph), may be cited, and the vehicle may be subject to towing or impoundment.
- Unsafe riding behaviors, such as reckless operation, excessive speed, riding on prohibited roadways, paths, and parks, or failing to obey traffic laws, may result in citations.
- Riders operating an e-moto or other motor-driven vehicle that does not qualify as a legal e-bike, or that is not street-legal, may be cited. The vehicle may be towed or impounded.
- Operators of vehicles that require a driver's license, motorcycle endorsement, registration, or insurance who do not possess the required credentials may be cited. The vehicle may be towed or impounded.
Please use the education period now: confirm your e-bike’s class and legal status, remove unlawful modifications, check all required equipment, and review safe-riding rules before February 1, 2027.
Thank you for looking out for yourself and for everyone who shares Fremont’s streets and paths. Small choices—slowing down, wearing a helmet, checking your bike, and choosing a comfortable route—can make a meaningful difference.
To learn more, visit
https://fremontpolice.gov/eBikeSafety
