Dear Parents,

We Strongly Encourage Parents Not to Allow Children Under the Age of Sixteen (16) to Operate Class 2 Throttle-Assisted Electric Motorcycles (“E-Motos”)

E-Bike Safety Advocates - Marin is committed to the safety and well-being of all residents, especially our children, and prioritizes efforts to reduce transportation-related injuries on our roads, sidewalks, and trails; and

Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles commonly referred to as “e-motos” have rapidly grown in popularity among youth. Brands such as Super 73 are marketed as Class 2 e-bikes, while others - including Ariel Rider, Ridstar, Lyric, Onyz, P-51 bear no regulatory classification yet are similarly marketed as e-bikes despite exceeding lawful performance limits; and

Many of these Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) have motors larger than 750 watts and are capable of traveling well beyond 20mph without pedaling rendering them non-compliant with California Vehicle Code regulations for Class 2 e-bikes. As such, these vehicles require DMV registrations, proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license and appropriate safety equipment such as lights and turn signals to be street legal; and

The marketing and classification of these Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) have created significant confusion among parents, making it unclear which products are legal, safe, or appropriate for children; and

Children under the age of 16 frequently lack the experience, physical maturity, and legal authority to safely operate high-powered Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“e-motos”), which can weigh up to 100 pounds and reach speeds exceeding 35 mph, introducing significant risks to both the rider and the community; and 

Regional health data, including Marin County’s, show an alarming rise in serious e-bike-related injuries among youth ages 10 to 15, with collision rates for this age group five times higher than any other demographic - often resulting in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and long-term consequences; and

Several Bay Area jurisdictions, including Marin County have adopted ordinances (AB 1778) to prohibit the use of Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) by children under 16 in response to growing public safety concerns; and

Numerous Marin County residents have publicly expressed concern and demanded action through online forums and community discussions regarding the dangers posed by underage riders operating Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) in pedestrian-heavy areas such as sidewalks, neighborhood streets, and multi-use trails;

E-Bike Safety Advocates of Marin recognizes the value of sustainable and active modes of transportation but also acknowledges the urgent responsibility to address the unsafe and unlawful operation of Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) by children;

E-Bike Safety Advocates of Marin Strongly Encourages Parents Not to Allow Children Under the Age of Sixteen (16) to Operate Class 2 Throttle-Assisted Electric Motorcycles (“E-Motos”)