Not My Kid: E-Bike Safety for Families
How to make sure your kid stays safe on an e-bike.
Have you ever been walking in a park and seen kids riding bikes recklessly on the sidewalk and thought, "Glad that's not my kid"?
E-bikes are a convenient way for people to get around Town, and can offer families an alternative to getting kids back and forth to school and other activities. But what is an e-bike, and how can adults be sure their kids know how to operate one safely? Unsafe e-bike use can result in citations, but also injuries to the rider and to other community members.
So, how do we make sure it's "Not My Kid"? You wouldn't think of sending your kid out driving a car at any speed without safety training, and with e-bikes capable of going up to 28 miles per hour, the Town of Danville has developed the Not My Kid campaign to help families — adults and kids alike — to be better informed about e-bikes, laws, and safety.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
Note: Some links take you to the Town's main E-Bike website.
Shortcuts: Quick Video Tips
How to make sure your kid stays safe on an e-bike.
Have you ever been walking in a park and seen kids riding bikes recklessly on the sidewalk and thought, "Glad that's not my kid"?
E-bikes are a convenient way for people to get around Town, and can offer families an alternative to getting kids back and forth to school and other activities. But what is an e-bike, and how can adults be sure their kids know how to operate one safely? Unsafe e-bike use can result in citations, but also injuries to the rider and to other community members.
So, how do we make sure it's "Not My Kid"? You wouldn't think of sending your kid out driving a car at any speed without safety training, and with e-bikes capable of going up to 28 miles per hour, the Town of Danville has developed the Not My Kid campaign to help families — adults and kids alike — to be better informed about e-bikes, laws, and safety.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
Note: Some links take you to the Town's main E-Bike website.
Shortcuts: Quick Video Tips
-
Safety Tips for Students
Share Safety Tips for Students on Facebook Share Safety Tips for Students on Twitter Share Safety Tips for Students on Linkedin Email Safety Tips for Students linkAs we get ready to go back to school, we want to ensure the safety of all students when it comes to e-bike and e-scooter use. If you have a student making their way to class on two wheels, it’s a good time to remind them of their role in keeping our community (and themselves) safe.
There have been recent reports of kids on e-bikes riding irresponsibly and injuring pedestrians on sidewalks. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the different types of e-bikes and other electric two-wheelers at our e-bike website (www.danville.ca.gov/ebikes). To avoid injuries to your child or fellow community members – and to avoid fines and potential civil liability – please talk to your child about the following key rules:
- Age matters: Kids under 16 are not allowed to ride Class 3 e-bikes on public roads; and all electric scooters require a driver’s license or permit.
- Obey all bicycle laws: E-bikes must follow the same laws as pedal bicycles under California law. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on the Iron Horse Trail.
- Speed check: Remind kids to use caution and slow down when riding on sidewalks or through parks where children and other pedestrians are present.
- Helmet required: Riders under 18 must always wear a helmet – no exceptions.
- No riding on sidewalks near businesses: E-bikes and E- Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks in business districts, such as Downtown or near shopping centers.
- Reckless or unsafe riding is against the law: Kids can be cited for riding a bike of any kind recklessly, and for riding an e-scooter that is not age-appropriate.
- Stop signs: Remind riders to stop for stop signs, and assume cars cannot see them.
- E-Dirt Bikes: These are not allowed on public roads, sidewalks or parks.
We want families to avoid injuries, fines, citations, or even impoundment that can come with unsafe or improper bike, e-bike and e-scooter use. Please help your child understand these rules and make sure their vehicle is safe and legal. If you have any questions about your child’s e-bike, you can visit www.danville.ca.gov/ebikes or call the Police Department at 925-314-3700. Let’s keep everyone safe!
-
Danville Town Council Leads Public Study Session on E-Bike Safety
Share Danville Town Council Leads Public Study Session on E-Bike Safety on Facebook Share Danville Town Council Leads Public Study Session on E-Bike Safety on Twitter Share Danville Town Council Leads Public Study Session on E-Bike Safety on Linkedin Email Danville Town Council Leads Public Study Session on E-Bike Safety linkOfficials focused on education, enforcement, and local control amid rising e-bike concerns
The Danville Town Council held a public study session Tuesday, July 8, to address growing community concerns regarding electric bicycle (e-bike) safety. The session provided an opportunity for Councilmembers to examine the current state of e-bike usage in Danville, particularly among minors, and consider potential actions to enhance public safety. The study session included information from the Town Manager and City Attorney on what local officials can — and cannot — do to regulate use of e-bikes and motorcycles according to the California Vehicle Code.
E-bikes have gained popularity in recent years as an environmentally friendly and efficient form of “micromobility” for adults, when cars are not efficient or readily available for short commutes. However, many Danville-area parents have purchased bikes for children who are now riding throughout Danville without a full understanding of the laws, risks, or responsibilities that come with motorized travel. Unsafe riding behavior, lack of helmets, and improper use in pedestrian areas have led to mounting safety concerns among residents.
Under California Vehicle Code, e-bikes are defined as bicycles equipped with a motor of less than 750 watts. They fall into three classes:
- Class 1: E-bikes that assist only while the rider is pedaling, and that cease to assist once the bike reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2: E-bikes that have a throttle and can propel the bike without pedaling, also with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
- Class 3: E-bikes that assist while the rider is pedaling, up to 28 mph, and are required to have a speedometer. Riders must be at least 16 years old.
Anecdotal reports from residents and police officers note that legal use of e-bikes in these classes is not the main issue, but the more dangerous situation is minors riding motorized bikes capable of reaching 30 mph without the state-required license or training. Parents may be providing what are classified by the state as motorcycles for kids, assuming they are regular e-bikes. Focusing on parental education regarding existing laws is a key focus for the Town. Following robust discussion and input from the public and Town staff, the Council identified several key actions to move forward with:
- Community Outreach and Education: Expand awareness campaigns to educate both parents and children about safe and legal e-bike and motorized bike use. Outreach will target local PTAs, HOAs, and other community groups. Additionally, staff will continue to work with San Ramon Valley Unified School District administrators to address underage students bringing e-bikes and motorized bikes to campus.
- Increased Enforcement: The Danville Police Department will continue enforcement efforts, including issuing fines and impounding e-bikes and motor bikes when children are caught riding illegally. This can include riding recklessly in parks or riding over the speed limit, among other age-related violations.
- State Advocacy: The Town will advocate for legislation granting local municipalities greater authority to regulate e-bike usage within their jurisdictions, rather than relying solely on state law.
- Local Ordinances: Council directed staff to present the issues and regulatory hurdles for commission review, for potential ordinance modifications. During their July 9 meeting, the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission will review the ordinance governing bike, e-bike, and scooter use in parks to determine if potential amendments are warranted. Similarly, the Bicycle Advisory Commission will evaluate if further amendments are warranted to the current ordinance prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks in commercial zones during their meeting July 23. Community members are encouraged to attend these meetings and share their perspectives.
The Town of Danville remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents while supporting sustainable modes of transportation. Residents who want to learn more about the various types of e-bikes and their associated California Vehicle Code laws can visit danville.ca.gov/ebikes and follow the Town’s social media channels @DanvilleCAgov for updates. As the Town explores potential local and state legislative efforts, residents can subscribe for updates and lend their voice to these initiatives at danvilletowntalks.org/stand — a new way for the Danville community to show support and stay informed on key policy issues affecting the town.
Important Links
Which E-Bike is Right for Your Family?
Which E-Bike Is Right for Your Family?
This short quiz aligns with local and state regulations to help you match the e-bike with the rider.
Follow Project
Who's Listening
-
-
Transportation Manager