COLUSA COUNTY, CA (MPG) – With school out for the summer and more children spending time outdoors, the Colusa Police Department and Williams Police Department are reminding residents about California laws governing electric bicycles and electric scooters.
Both agencies recently shared safety information aimed at reducing injuries and preventing violations as e-bikes and e-scooters continue to grow in popularity among young riders.
The Williams Police Department said e-scooters can provide a convenient form of transportation but also present safety concerns when riders fail to follow traffic laws or wear protective equipment.
“Summer is here, and kids are out riding e-scooters more than ever,” the department stated statement. “They’re fun, but they can also be dangerous, especially without helmets or basic safety rules.”
Under California law, e-scooter riders must have a valid driver’s license or permit. Riders younger than 18 must wear a helmet. E-scooters may not be operated on sidewalks, may not carry passengers and are limited to a maximum speed of 15 mph. Riders must also obey traffic signs, signals and other rules of the road.
The Colusa Police Department’s safety bulletin outlined California’s three classifications of e-bikes. Class 1 e-bikes provide motor assistance only while the rider is pedaling and are limited to speeds of 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes may be propelled by a throttle and are also limited to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance only and may reach speeds up to 28 mph.
Class 3 riders must be at least 16 years old. Helmets are required for all Class 3 riders and for anyone younger than 18 operating any class of e-bike.
Police also reminded riders that e-bikes do not require a driver’s license, registration or insurance under California law. However, riders must still follow traffic laws, ride in bike lanes when available, use lights at night and travel on the right side of the roadway when practical.
The Colusa Police Department also warned residents about off-road electric motorcycles and similar vehicles. Electric dirt bikes, electric motorcycles and certain high-powered electric bikes are not legal for operation on public streets, bike lanes or sidewalks unless they meet registration and equipment requirements for roadway use.
Both departments identified common violations that can result in citations, including riding on sidewalks, operating without a required helmet, carrying passengers, reckless riding, running stop signs or red lights and failing to yield.
The agencies encouraged parents to review the laws with their children before allowing them to ride.
“A quick reminder: helmets matter, follow traffic rules, and e-scooters are not toys,” the Williams Police Department stated. “Parents, a few simple boundaries can go a long way in keeping kids safe this summer.”