Ridden safely, on complete streets, an e-bike isn’t a menace, it’s a solution. One that’s already transforming lives, expanding freedom and opportunity to people across Santa Barbara County.
E-BIKE SAFETY
E-bikes are transforming how Santa Barbara County gets around, giving students, families, and commuters an affordable, accessible alternative to car dependency, especially where transit service is infrequent, unreliable, or non-existent. According to census data, more than one in three households in our county don’t own car or share just one car among everyone. And AAA has estimated the cost of owning a car in California at over $14,000 a year, putting ownership out of reach for many.
E-bikes are a game-changer for these residents, and even more so for youth, people with disabilities, and older adults. E-bikes open up freedom and independence to jobs, education, recreation, worship, and everything in between.
Ridden safely, e-bikes they aren’t a menace or a problem. They’re part of the solution. Whether you’re new to e-bikes or already riding, MOVE’s E-Bike Safety Guide and E-Bike Buyers Guide will help you ride with confidence and stay safe on the road.
Still have questions? Below are straight answers to the ones we hear most often. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns.
“It was car drivers who crashed through the storefronts last week, not e-bikers. Let’s answer the danger we actually have.”
In a recent op-ed for the Santa Barbara Independent, MOVE’s executive director makes the case that e-bikes aren’t the threat to our community and lays out what real safety looks like: education over punishment, strict regulations for e-moto / imposter bikes, and complete streets designed for users of all modes.
E-BIKE MYTHS & FACTS
A: A bicycle with working pedals, a motor no stronger than 750 watts, and motor assist that stops at either 20 or 28 mph depending on its class. If it doesn’t meet all three, it isn’t legally an e-bike.
A: Class 1: pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph. Class 2: pedal-assist plus throttle, up to 20 mph. Class 3: pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph. Class 3 riders must be 16 or older.
A: If a Class 1 or 2 bike goes over 20 mph on motor alone, or a Class 3 goes over 28, or it has no working pedals, it’s not an e-bike. It’s an electric motorcycle, which is illegal to ride without a license and proper helmet. Some are sold “out of class” or “unlocked” from the factory; others get modified after purchase. If you’re unsure, check the motor wattage and top assisted speed against the class rules above, or stop by Bici Centro and ask a MOVE team member.
A: Consequences can include required participation in the Youth Diversion Program, a citation with fines from $100 to $500, and parents being held legally and financially responsible for their child’s actions.Q: Who has to wear a helmet?
A: Anyone under 18 on any e-bike. Anyone riding a Class 3 e-bike, at any age. Passengers need a helmet too. But MOVE recommends that everyone riding a bike wears a helmet at all times. We love your brains and want to keep them safe. Need a low-cost helmet? Stop by Bici Centro and ask a MOVE team member to supply you.
A: A front white light, a rear red reflector (a rear red light is recommended too), reflectors on the pedals, and side reflectors on the spokes, tires, or frame. Need a low-cost light set? Stop by Bici Centro and ask a MOVE team member to supply you.
A: They’re faster and heavier, so they take more strength to control and stop. Higher speed also means less reaction time and a higher chance of serious injury in a crash. New riders should start slow, go easy on the throttle, and practice in an empty parking lot first.
A: E-bikes brake harder and more often because of their speed and weight, so brakes wear out faster than on a regular bike. Brake sooner, brake in firm taps rather than constant squeezing. If your brakes squeal, rub, or the lever is within 1” of the handlebar, then have them checked.
Tires pumped, brakes working, chain clean and oiled, handlebars tight, quick-release levers closed, battery charged. For yourself: helmet buckled, shoelaces tucked, bright or reflective gear on.
A: Ride in the bike lane if there is one, in the same direction as traffic. Stop at all stop signs and red lights, yield to pedestrians crossing, signal before turning, and leave at least 5 feet when passing. Stay out of the “door zone” next to parked cars.
A: Check that the battery meets UL or EN safety standards. Consider what capacity will help you reduce the number of places you need to drive, how you’ll transport its 40 to 80 pounds, how you’ll lock and store it, and whether you can get it serviced locally, which is easier with a shop-bought bike than an online one.
Yes. For a household sharing one car or none, a legal e-bike is an affordable way to reach work, school, appointments, and groceries. MOVE supports expanding e-bike access for lower-income households countywide.
If you ride in Santa Barbara, BCycle is an electric bike share system with affordable options for people living on low incomes.
A: Not at all, and the worry is fair. We want the same thing you do: everyone getting home safe. Some of that scary riding is out-of-class “imposter” bikes rather than legal e-bikes, but reckless is reckless, and we take it seriously. That’s why we run youth bike education in schools across Santa Barbara County, support proven instruction methods over citations, and push for street design that slows everyone down so we can move safely through our streets together. If you want kids riding better, come be part of the solution: volunteer, donate, or get involved another way. Email: Education@MoveSBCounty.org