E-Bike Safety

Riding Smart in Half Moon Bay

If you’re riding to school, meeting friends, or just cruising the Coastside — this page is for you


E-Bikes are fast. E-Motos are faster. The use of E-Motos is not allowed in our public roads.   
Whether you’re cruising to school, hitting the trails, or just riding for fun, you may have noticed that electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric motorcycles (e-motos) are trending—but they can be dangerous if you don’t ride smart. Here are a few tips and resources to stay safe, follow the rules, and enjoy your ride. 

Top Safety Tips for Teens 
Remember: One small mistake can change your life—and your family’s forever.

  • Helmet Up, Gear On: A helmet is non-negotiable. Gloves and pads help too.
  • Ride Visible: Lights, bright clothing, reflective gear.
  • Follow Traffic Rules: Stop at stop signs. Signal turns. Ride in the right lane.
  • No Tricks in Traffic: Jumps and stunts are fun—but not on streets or crowded paths.
  • Ride Defensively: Cars, pedestrians, dogs, and other riders can be unpredictable.

 Parents: How You Can Help 

  • Encourage safety courses and helmet use.
  • Know the routes your teen takes to school and recreation.
  • Talk to your teen about riding responsibly—no shortcuts, no risk-taking.
  • Use resources like the San Mateo County Safe Routes to School initiative.

If it feels faster than you can control, it’s probably an E-Moto. Be careful. In San Mateo County, E-Moto riders are required to be 16 years or older, and have a permit or license. 

  E-Bike E-Moto
Speed (MPH) Usually 20-28 Can exceed 28
Pedal Assitance Pedal-powered with motor boost Fully motor-powered
Age Requirement Teens can ride with rules Often 16+*
License/Registration Required No Usually yes
Where You Can Ride Bike lanes, streets**; allowed trails (Class I and II) NOT allowed on public roads

*Where allowed. **Bike Classes I, II, III. Class III E-Bikes are not allowed on trails. 

E-BIKE CLASSIFICATIONS
312.5 CVC


An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

  • A Class I bicycle is a “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle” equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
  • A Class II bicycle is a “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle” equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bike and ceases to assist when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
  • A Class III bicycle is a “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle” equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist when a speed of 28 mph is reached.
  Class I Class II Class III
Throttle No Yes No
Pedal Assist Yes Yes Yes
Max. Speed (MPH) 20 20 28
Min. Age No Min. No Min. 16 y.o.
Helmet Required Under 18 y.o. Under 18 y.o. All Ages
Allowed on Sidewalk No No No
Allowed on Bike Path Yes Yes No

ELECTRIC BICYCLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
21201 CVC

  • Equip the bicycle with a light that illuminates the road ahead. This light must be visible for 300 feet in both directions ahead and to the sides of the bicycle.
  • Install a red reflector on the rear of the bicycle, which must be visible from a distance of 500 feet.
  • Add a white or yellow reflector to each pedal so they are visible from both the front and rear of the bicycle at a distance of 200 feet.
  • Bicycles must have a white or yellow reflector on each side at the front and a white or red reflector on each side at the rear.

GENERAL E-BIKE SAFETY TIPS

  • Share the Road: Be aware of cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles. Practice courtesy by maintaining space and signaling.
  • Group Riding: Keep a safe distance and use hand signals or verbal cues to indicate changes in direction or speed. Always maintain a single file and keep to the right on most roadways.
  • Helmet Use: Always wear a properly fitted helmet, regardless of age or bike type.
  • Parking and Locking: Use a lock to secure your e-bike when unattended to prevent theft.
  • Watch for Pedestrians: Slow down and give pedestrians the right of way on shared paths.
  • Ride in the Right Lane: Travel in the same direction as traffic and avoid riding on sidewalks where it's not allowed.
  • Be Predictable: Signal your intentions with hand signals and avoid sudden movements.
    Be Visible: Use lights and reflective accessories when riding in low-light conditions, especially at night.


WHY YOU MIGHT GET AN E-BIKE CITATION

  • Equipment Violations:
    • Riding at night without proper lights or reflectors.
  • Moving Violations:
    • Failing to obey traffic signals. 
    • Yielding incorrectly.
    • Riding against the flow of traffic.
  • Class-Specific Rules:
    • Operating a Class 3 e-bike if you are underage or not wearing a helmet.
  • Sidewalk Riding:
    • Riding an e-bike on a sidewalk where it is prohibited. Riding any e-bike on a sidewalk at an unsafe speed.
  • Location Restrictions:
    • Riding an e-bike in areas where motorized vehicles are prohibited, such as certain public parks or trails.

HOW TO AVOID AN E-BIKE CITATION

  • Understand Your E-Bike Class: Determine whether your e-bike is classified as Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3, as different regulations apply to each category.
  • Follow All Traffic Laws: Adhere to speed limits, traffic signals, and right-of-way rules, just as you would on a traditional bicycle.
  • Check Local Ordinances: Always look for posted signs or consult local municipal codes, as local regulations may differ and take precedence over state laws.
  • Be Aware of Age and Helmet Laws: Ensure that you meet the minimum age requirements for your specific e-bike class, and always wear a helmet if it is required by law.
  • Educate Yourself: Utilize resources from local authorities or organizations to learn more about the safe and legal operation of e-bikes.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES  

Watch and learn real-life safety lessons.


FOR TEENS: GET INVOLVED / TAKE ACTION 

  • Lead by example:  Stay safe. Follow the rules. Ride responsibly.
  • Tell your friends: Share these tips and resources with your family, friends, and peers at school. 
  • Tell yourself: Safety starts with ME... but it isn’t just for me—it’s for everyone on the road.

Being a safe rider makes you a cool, responsible rider. Protect yourself, protect your friends, and help keep the City of Half Moon Bay streets safe.