Parents,
Get the facts about Class 2 Throttle-assisted E-Bikes and Electric Motorcycles (E-motos)Before Buying For Your Child
10 to 15 year olds are 5 times more likely to be involved in a severe E-wheel crash requiring EMT trips to the hospital than any other group.
What kind of e-bike should I buy for my child?
Does your child really need an e-bike because of long distances or hills to climb? All e-bikes are harder to maneuver and take longer to stop because of the extra speed and weight, so parents should first evaluate their child’s needs and ability before purchasing one. You also need to pick between pedal-assist and throttle. We highly recommend pedal-assist. It provides all the power your child needs and is safer than a device that doesn’t require any pedaling.
What's the difference between throttle e-bikes and e-motos?
It’s the size of the motor and the speed at which it stops providing assistance. The line between the two is 750 watts/20 mph. If larger or faster, it’s an e-moto, not an e-bike — even if labeled an e-bike.
So what?
If it crosses the line into "e-motos", a driver’s license and DMV registration are required along with safety equipment required by the Vehicle Code.. Without all of that, they are not “street legal” and cannot be driven by any person on public roads, streets, sidewalks or trails. Channel 5 TV News Story: 70 "E-motos" at Stone Valley Middle School & Increased East Bay Police Safety Enforcement
How can a labeled Class 2 e-bike go faster that 20mph?
For e-bikes sold by certain manufacturers, the rider may use the handlebar display or an app paired with the bicycle to shift into “unlimited” mode and exceed 20 mph without pedaling. Students can use their own iPhone or a friend’s iPhone to download the app. Using the fastest “mode” for one of the most popular brands, riders can rapidly accelerate from zero to over 30 mph — 50% faster than the legal limit for Class 2 e-bikes..
Does my Insurance cover my Child on a Class 2 Throttle-Assisted E-Bike or E-moto?
Ask your insurance agent!
Has a Lawsuit been filed against Super 73?
Yes! Read the Lawsuit Filed in Marin County Superior Court- Super 73 on February 10, 2025 (PDF)
My child is responsible and obeys traffic laws. Why can't he own a llegal Class 2 throttle-assisted "e-motos" if they promise not to go faster that 20mph?
The device is illegal on public streets, roads, and pathways. In case of a crash, parents could face legal and financial liability for allowing their student to operate an illegal vehicle.
Are people overreacting about all this?
No. The Marin’s Health and Human Services Bicycle Safety Dashboard reveals that the e-bike/e-moto crash rate for 10 to 15-year-olds is 5 times higher than any other age group. These severe injuries are similar to those involving motorcycle crashes, such as concussions (even when wearing a helmet) and broken pelvic bones with long-term or permanent consequences. Boy Hospitalized after Crash while Riding Electric Motorcycle "E-Moto"
If a throttle-assisted Class 2 has a label, is it legal?
No, unfortunately, many manufacturers of throttle-assisted use a Class 2 label even though the bicycles they sell are capable of exceeding the legal limit of 750 watts of power and can engage the throttle when traveling over 20 mph. Software for many of these illegal e-wheels can be downloaded to anyone’s cellphone and used to switch the device to exceed 20 mph on motor power alone. 14-Year Old Boy Dies in E-Bike Crash (April 16,2025)
. Has the California Highway created a E-Bike Safety Course?
Yes! The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has created a online Electric Bicycle Safety Course to help protect commuters and recreational riders.
. Photo Gallery of 20 Electric Motorcycles E-Motos (PDF)
The Caring Parents' E-Bike Survival Guide by Beth Black. A practical handbook for purchasing, owning, and managing your teen's e-bike.
