This season is one of the most joyful and meaningful times of the year, when we celebrate, spend time with loved ones and surprise someone special with a gift they’ve been dreaming about. As a mom of two boys, I know the magic of seeing their faces light up during the holidays and the thrill of finding a special gift that feels just right.
If an electric bike, or e-bike, is on your family’s wish list this year, you’re not alone. These popular rides are popping up everywhere, offering a fun, fast and eco-friendly way for kids and teens to get around town. But before you wrap one up and slide it under the tree, it’s important to understand the rules, safety tips and legal differences that come with owning and riding one.
E-bikes are allowed on Santa Clarita’s trails, roads and bike lanes, provided they meet California’s e-bike classification system. There are three classes, each with different rules. Class 1 and Class 2 models have a maximum speed of 20 mph.
The key difference is that Class 1 bikes only provide pedal assistance, while Class 2 bikes include a throttle that lets the rider accelerate without pedaling. Class 3 bikes can reach speeds up to 28 mph but are only legal for riders aged 16 and up. State law requires Class 1 and 2 riders under 17 years old to wear a helmet, while Class 3 requires a helmet regardless of age.
If you’re unsure whether a particular model is legal, look for a label showing the class and check the motor specifications. If it goes faster than 28 mph or the motor is rated above 750 watts, it falls outside the legal definition of an e-bike and is classified as a motorized vehicle, which requires additional licensing and regulation.
Unfortunately, some bikes sold online or in stores this time of year do not follow these classifications. They may look like e-bikes but lack pedals and feature oversized motors that push them far past the legal speed limits. These high-powered rides are actually electric motorcycles, and they’re not allowed within city limits, including streets, sidewalks and trails unless the rider is fully licensed and the vehicle is registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Riders must also have a Class M motorcycle license, wear a Department of Transportation-approved motorcycle helmet, carry insurance and the vehicle must be equipped with required vehicle safety features, including working headlights, taillights, turns signals, mirrors and a horn.
We’ve seen a rise in unsafe and illegal riding here in Santa Clarita, particularly involving youth who aren’t aware of the laws or who received these bikes as well-meaning gifts. That’s why the city, along with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, has stepped up enforcement. Deputies are writing citations, impounding vehicles that don’t meet standards and, in some cases, delaying driver’s license eligibility for teens caught riding e-motorcycles without proper credentials.
None of this is to scare you away from buying an e-bike. On the contrary, when used legally and responsibly, they are a fantastic way for young people to gain independence, build confidence and enjoy the outdoors. But like any vehicle, e-bikes come with responsibilities, and it’s up to all of us, especially parents and grandparents, to make sure we’re setting our kids up for success.
So what does safe and responsible use look like? It starts with choosing the right class of e-bike and making sure the rider understands where they can and cannot go. E-bikes should always be ridden with caution, slowing down near pedestrians, following traffic signals, staying to the right on multi-use paths and using a bell or verbal warning before passing others.
A properly fitted helmet is essential, and riders should avoid distractions like earbuds or cell phones while in motion. While not required by law for all age groups, adding lights and reflectors for visibility is a smart idea, especially during the darker winter months. Please remind your teen about the importance of respecting other trail users as well, to ensure safety for all.
The city of Santa Clarita is committed to supporting safe, active transportation. We’re proud to offer more than 100 miles of bike-friendly infrastructure, and we’ve launched a multi-phase outreach campaign to help schools and families better understand e-bike safety and etiquette. We want our community’s young riders to enjoy the freedom that comes with biking, without compromising their safety or anyone else’s.
If you’re planning to surprise your child or grandchild with an e-bike this year, thank you for investing in their health, happiness and independence. Just make sure the surprise comes with a conversation about rules, responsibility and the importance of riding smart. It’s one of the best gifts you can give.
For more information on e-bike classes, safety equipment, trails and frequently asked questions, visit BikeSantaClarita.com/Ebikes.
Wishing you and your family a joyful and safe holiday season.
Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Ayala is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected].
