E-bikes and mopeds prove dangerous for Fresno minors — here are the rules on riding one
E-bikes and mopeds are a popular mode of transportation in Fresno, but they often make the news for the wrong reasons.
On April 26, two e-bikes collided in front of Edison High School, resulting in one rider being hospitalized On May 1, a 13-year-old boy on a motorized scooter was killed by a collision with a truck at the intersection of Bullard and Palm. On May 15, a 16-year-old boy on a moped ran a red light and collided with a vehicle.
Fresno State has responded by banning e-bikes, mopeds, and similar vehicles from campus beginning in the fall.
What are e-bikes and mopeds?
Assembly Bill 1096, passed in 2015, defines an electric bicycle, or e-bike, as “a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.” The bill further categorizes e-bikes into three classes.
Class 3 e-bikes are “equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.” Class 3 e-bikes can only be operated by persons 16 years or older. Unlike Class 1 and 2 bikes, Class 3 bikes are prohibited from public paths including sidewalks.
The bill mandated that all e-bikes sold in California would be manufactured with labels describing their class category and wattage.
A motorized scooter or moped is defined by Assembly Bill 1096 as being having two or three wheels, a motor that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower, and a maximum speed of no more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.
Manufacturers of motorized scooters or mopeds are required to disclose to buyers that their insurance policy may not cover accidents involving this vehicle.
According to Fresno Police Department traffic officer Jason Hurley, “You have to have a driver’s license or permit to be able to ride one of the e-scooters.” Hurley emphasized that riders need the same license or permit used to operate cars, and that there is no separate license for e-scooters.
E-bikes do not require a driver’s license to operate, while mopeds do.
How can minors stay safe on e-bikes and mopeds?
On May 4, the Fresno County Police Department shared an infographic to Facebook urging riders to follow regulations regarding e-bikes, including wearing helmets and stopping at stop signs. The department also shared these tips with parents:
- Talk to your child about the rules of the road
- Make sure their e-bike is age-appropriate and compliant
- Always require a helmet
- Supervise younger riders or restrict them to safe riding areas
