E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Electric bikes, motorcycles, and scooters are increasingly common on Tiburon’s roads and paths and the ordinances applicable to their use have changed recently. Because these bikes, scooters and motorcycles are self-propelled, not only are they subject to Tiburon’s Municipal Code, but they are also subject to the California Vehicle Code (CVC).

Make sure you and the riders in your family are up to speed on the updated ordinances and are riding safely while having fun doing so.

Learn more about how to ride an e-bike safely! The California Highway Patrol recently developed a free online safety course for e-bike riders to learn the rules of e-bike use and how to safely maneuver these vehicles. Visit the CHP Electric Bicycle Safety and Training to learn more.

The County of Marin has established the E-Bikers Club to prioritize rider safety and fun! Check it out: www.e-bikersclub.com 

California categorizes e-bikes into three classes:

  • Class 1: Equipped with a motor that only assists when the rider pedals and stops when the bike reaches 20 mph.
  • Class 2: Equipped with a throttle that can propel the bike without pedaling but not faster than 20 mph.
  • Class 3: Equipped with a motor that only assists when the rider pedals and stops when the bike reaches 28 mph. They also have a speedometer.

Rules governing Class 1 e-bikes:

  • No minimum age
  • Helmets are required for riders under 18
  • Can be ridden on streets, bike lanes, bike paths, and trails, including the Old Rail Trail
  • Cannot be ridden on sidewalks
  • Cannot be ridden at speeds faster than 20 mph
  • Old Rail Trail users should follow the 15 mph (8 mph when pedestrians are present) speed limit
  • Must obey all traffic signals and signs
TPD e-bike

Rules governing Class 2 e-bikes:

  • Riders must be at least 16 years old
  • Helmets are required for riders under 18 
  • Can be ridden on streets and bike lanes
  • Cannot be ridden on sidewalks
  • Can be ridden on bike paths, including the Old Rail Trail, but must follow the Old Rail Trail speed limit of 15 mph (8 mph when pedestrians are present)
  • Cannot be ridden at speeds faster than 20 mph in electric assist mode
  • Must obey all traffic signals and signs

Rules governing Class 3 e-bikes:

  • Riders must be at least 16 years old
  • Helmets are required for all riders, regardless of age
  • Can be ridden on streets and bike lanes
  • Cannot be ridden on sidewalks or bike paths, including the Old Rail Trail
  • Cannot be ridden at speeds faster than 28 mph in electric assist mode
  • Must obey all traffic signals and signs

Electric Scooters:

  • Riders must be at least 16 years old
  • Helmets are required for riders under 18
  • Can be ridden on streets, bike lanes, bike paths, and trails
  • Cannot be ridden on sidewalks
  • Cannot be ridden at speeds faster than 15 mph
  • Not allowed on roads with speed limits exceeding 25 mph
  • Must obey all traffic signals and signs

Riding Tandem/Double:

  • Riders may not ride tandem or double on any e-bike, e-scooter, or motorized board designed for a single person
  • Riders under 16 may not ride tandem or double on any e-bike, e-scooter, or motorized board - regardless of the device's ability to do so

Devices Prohibited:

E-bikes, e-scooters, and motorized boards are not permitted:

  • on sidewalks
  • on sports fields, including McKegney Green
  • anywhere regular bicycles are prohibited