TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Rachel Johnson, Chief of Police
Andrew Enriquez, Police Captain
SUBJECT:Title
Discuss Electric Bike (E-Bike) Safety Update (Police Chief Johnson).
(Estimated Time: 30 Mins.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the recommended action.
BACKGROUND:
At the May 16, 2023 meeting, City Council directed staff to research and present information related to electric bikes (e-bikes), to include safety, enforcement and education in Manhattan Beach and surrounding cities.
E-Bikes are currently classified under three categories: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.
Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assisted electric bicycles that can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. In California, Class 1 e-bikes are treated similarly to traditional bicycles, and the following laws apply to children:
- E-bike riders must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
- E-bikes are allowed on bicycle paths, trails, lanes, and roadways unless otherwise specified by local authorities.
Class 2 e-bikes are throttle-assisted electric bicycles that can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. In California, Class 2 e-bikes are subject to the same laws as Class 1 e-bikes, with the addition of the following regulations:
- The e-bike must have a functioning throttle that allows for propulsion without pedaling.
- The throttle must disengage when the rider stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied.
Class 3 e-bikes are speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles that can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. California law treats Class 3 e-bikes similarly to Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, with the exception that individuals under 16 years of age are not allowed to operate them.
There has been an addi...
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