We need to talk about e-bikes and e-scooters: The city of Alameda encourages active transportation — walking, bicycling and riding public transportation — to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) that cause global warming and sea level rise and for the health benefits.
Transportation, primarily on-road travel, is the single largest source of GHGs in California, according to the California Air Resources Board. The city’s ambitious Climate Action Resiliency Plan (CARP) has set targets, in line with the state of California and scientific community to reduce GHGs by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to become carbon-neutral by 2045. We support these objectives by building more bicycle infrastructure every year, including the recently completed Clement Avenue cycle track and improvements currently underway on Central Avenue.
I often urge parents to let their children — especially high school and middle school students — get themselves to school by walking, riding a bike or scooter, or taking public transportation. Lately, though, I’ve heard from parents, including those who ride their bikes to school with their elementary school children, that close encounters with e-bikes and e-scooters have made their bicycle commutes feel unsafe.
As a longtime cyclist who has ridden a borrowed e-bike in the Island’s last three July Fourth parades (thank you, Alameda Bicycle!), I’ve enjoyed the extra boost an e-bike can provide. E-bikes also provide active mobility for those who find pedaling a standard bike challenging. However, the growth in popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters has outpaced education and understanding about their safe operation, so I asked the Alameda Police Department (APD) for safety tips. A huge thanks goes to the APD’s Capt. Jeff Emmitt and Sgt. Frank Petersen for the following input!
First, the APD wants to remind you that e-bikes must follow the same traffic laws as vehicles and traditional bicycles. Jared Sanchez, the California Bicycle Coalition’s policy director, notes that, according to California state law, “the term ‘e-bike’ only applies to pedaled bicycles whose motor support is limited to either 20 or 28 mph, depending upon its class.” The state classifies e-bikes as Class 1, 2, or 3.
A Class 1 e-bike is a low-speed pedal-assisted model equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph. Class 2 is a low-speed electric bicycle with pedal-assist and throttle modes that has a top assisted speed of 20 mph.
Class 3 is a pedal-assisted electric bicycle that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph. The operator of a Class 3 electric bicycle must be at least age 16, must wear a bicycle safety helmet, must not transport passengers and may ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority or ordinance (which is NOT allowed in Alameda).
The APD emphasizes that e-motos (electric motorcycles) are not e-bikes. There are big differences between the two, and e-motos are also not allowed in Alameda or any other California bike lanes. They are considered vehicles and are subject to the same requirements as motor vehicles.
Also, don’t drink and ride. Drivers can still be arrested on suspicion of DUI regardless of e-bike class or the kind of moped, scooter or e-moto driven. Don’t alter manufacturer speed governors either. Tampering with e-bikes to increase their speed is illegal (see California Vehicle Code section 24016(d)).
Motorized scooters: California Vehicle Code section 21235 covers the operation of motorized scooters, including but not limited to the following rules. A motorized scooter rider cannot operate a motorized scooter without wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet if the operator is younger than 18. Motorized scooters also cannot be operated without a valid driver’s license or instruction permit.
Riders may not operate motorized scooters with any passengers aside from themselves; operate motorized scooters on sidewalks, except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property; leave motorized scooters lying on their sides on any sidewalk or park motorized scooters on a sidewalk in any other position preventing an adequate path for pedestrian traffic.
The APD encourages e-bike, e-scooter and electric motorcycle riders and parents of minor riders to educate themselves to the applicable laws governing these means of transport.
“Best practices” for e-bike and e-scooter operators include maintaining a high visual horizon while constantly scanning ahead when riding and giving yourself enough space to slow down or stop. With electric motors providing supplemental power, riders can easily travel at speeds that are too fast for the conditions (e.g. approaching intersections, riding around vehicles, etc.).
Bicyclists, like drivers, should refrain from using phones while riding, as they are potentially dangerous distractions. When bicyclists are on the roads, they must obey the same laws as vehicles. Bicycles can’t ride through crosswalks. If bicyclist choose to use a crosswalk, they should dismount and walk their bicycles so they are considered pedestrians and have the right-of-way.
Also, if you are passing other cyclists or pedestrians, be courteous and ring your bell or call out (“bicycle on your left,” etc.) to let them know. Let’s embrace all forms of active transportation safely and with respect for our fellow roadway users. Stay active and “Alameda Strong!”
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the mayor of Alameda. For contact information and other details, visit bit.ly/mayorashcraft online.