E-Bike Safety

What is NPBD Doing about E-Bikes? 

The Newport Beach Police Department uses a multi-pronged approach to address the community’s needs regarding E-bikes. We provide enforcement alongside education, targeting the most vulnerable riders within our communities: children.

Our officers create numerous opportunities for students, parents, and concerned community members to come together and learn the rules and safe practices for riding a bicycle or E-bike within the city.  In the first two years of this program alone (2021-2023), our presentations reached over 7,500 community members.  Some of the most productive meetings have been held in collaboration with the Newport Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD), Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), and Home Owners Associations (HOAs) throughout the city, including:

• Corona Del Mar High School and Middle School
• Our Lady Queen of Angels
• Mariners Elementary School
• Ensign Middle School
• Lincoln Elementary School
• Newport Elementary School
• Harbor View HOA
• Dover Shores HOA
• YMCA Newport Beach

The Newport Beach Police Department understands the importance of bike and E-bike safety and continues our commitment to encourage safe and lawful riding.  We encourage members of the public to keep an eye on our Announcements section to see when bike safety presentations are scheduled.

Newport Beach Municipal Code

Effective January 2026, Newport Beach Municipal Code 12.56.060 requires all riders of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances to operate safely on public streets, sidewalks, and in public parks. Riders must travel at reasonable speeds, obey traffic signs and signals, yield to pedestrians and vehicles when required, use bicycle lanes when posted, and wear a properly fitted helmet if under 18. Unsafe behaviors such as riding against traffic, weaving through pedestrians, riding distracted or without lights at night, carrying passengers not designed for the device, performing wheelies, or disobeying traffic controls are prohibited.

Violations may result in enforcement action including citations, fines, and possible impoundment of the e-bike. First-time juvenile offenders may be eligible for the City’s E-Bike Diversion Program, which focuses on education, safe riding practices, and understanding traffic laws. Successful completion of the diversion program may result in dismissal of the citation and waiver of penalties.

What is the definition off an E-Bike

An E-bike is an electric bicycle, which is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. The maximum speed of an E-bike is 20 MPH for Type 1 and Type 2 and 28 MPH for Type 3.

What are the Three Classes of E-Bikes and What do they Mean? 

 Are Sur-Ron Type Vehicles Street Legal?

Sur-Ron and Segway type vehicles are defined in the California Vehicle Code as motorcycles. Therefore, they are required to have valid California registration, insurance, and the rider must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license. The rider must also be wearing a proper DOT-approved helmet.

What are the Consequences for Riding a Sur-Ron on the Roadway or Sidewalk?

If the rider is unlicensed, or riding without a motorcycle endorsement, the officer may subsequently impound the vehicle for 30 days and may issue the rider a citation which could be an infraction or misdemeanor. If the vehicle is unregistered, the officer may additionally impound the vehicle.

Do I Need to Wear a Helmet While Riding an E-Bike?

Yes, per the California Vehicle Code section 21212(a), all bike riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding a bike. However, when riding a Class 3 E-bike, all riders must wear a helmet regardless of their age.

What Equipment is Required on an E-Bike? 

• A red reflector or solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear of the bike that is visible from a distance of 500 feet when in front of headlights on a motor vehicle.

• A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle that is visible from both the front and rear of the bicycle at a distance of 200 feet.

• A white or yellow reflector on each side of the bicycle on the forward portion of the bicycle and a white or red reflector on each side of the bicycle on the rear portion of the bicycle, unless the bicycle has forward and rear reflective tires, in which cases the side reflectors are unnecessary.

Can I Modify my E-Bike to go Faster?

No. Per California Vehicle Code Section 24016(d), a person shall not tamper with or modify their E-bike to change the speed capacity without changing the sticker class. If you modify your E-bike to exceed 28 MPH, the E-bike would be considered a motorcycle and it would be subject to impound.

Are Kids Allowed to Ride E-Bikes? 

The law does not prohibit young children from operating Type 1 and Type 2 E-bikes. However, Type 3 E-bikes may only be ridden by those 16 years or older.

AB 545 

AB 545 classifies electric bicycles into three categories based on motor power and speed and prohibits the sale of software or devices that modify an e-bikes speed beyond legal limits.

SB 1271 requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt fire and electrical safety regulations for electric bicycles and prohibits the sale of e-bikes unless the battery meets specified safety standards and has been tested by an accredited laboratory.

AB 544 requires electric bicycles to have a red rear reflector or red rear light with a built in reflector during all hours of operation. The law also allows the CHP online e-bike safety course to satisfy safety training requirements for minors cited for helmet violations.

SB 586

SB 586 defines off highway electric motorcycles, or eMotos, and classifies them as off highway motor vehicles. Operators must follow OHV rules, including helmet requirements and DMV issued identification when required.