eBikes and Safety

Posted on: January 14th, 2021

Let’s talk about e-bikes!

E-bike popularity is booming.  It’s important to know that people riding e-bikes on the roadways and in public places are subject to the same rules and responsibilities as motor vehicle users.  Here are some  DO’s and DONT’s when it comes to riding an e-bike (which apply to riding any bike).

Do: Ride in the same direction as traffic

Do: Wear a helmet and buckle it properly

Do: Signal your intentions to other road users by extending your arm or politely calling out

Do: Obey all signs and signals on the road (that includes all stop signs)

Do: Pass slower moving traffic on their left

Don’t: Ride on sidewalks, trails or paths where bikes are not allowed

Don’t: Weave in between cars (parked or moving)

Don’t: Ride in the “door zone” (this is the space where people in parked cars may open their doors into traffic)

A major difference with e-bikes is speed. So it’s even more important to ride safely, predictably, to be visible, and to be alert.  Visit the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition e-bike specific webpage to learn about e-bike classifications, CA Vehicle Code laws relating to bikes and more.  https://sdbikecoalition.org/ebike-classifications-and-laws/