Electric Bikes

There has been a recent increase of electric bikes (e-bikes) in the Beach Cities creating a need for more education around this fast-growing transportation trend.  

Below is some important information about e-bikes, whether you already own one, are considering buying an e-bike or are looking for resources as a rider. Check out this flyer for safety tips.

Local Data

In March 2023, Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) surveyed the local middle and high schools to compare the number of traditional pedal bikes to electric bikes. E-bikes made up 66% of the total number of bicycles on campuses. For more information, view our E-bike count report.

Local Laws

At the September 5, 2023 meeting, the Manhattan Beach City Council adopted an urgency ordinance amending the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code (MBMC) establishing a speed limit, safety and operational standards, and location restrictions for bicycles, e-bikes and motorized bicycles.

The urgency ordinance became effective on September 6, 2023 and contains safety rules such as:

Read more here.

Hermosa Beach Municipal Codes

On June 4, 2024, the City of Hermosa Beach adopted an Urgency Ordinance that includes the following requirements and restrictions for e-bikes and any other electric or motorized conveyance (i.e. motor-driven cycle, pocket bike or electric motorcycle), and fines for violating these rules range from $250 to $1000:

The Urgency Ordinance also regulates the rental of e-bikes within city limits. No later than August 4, 2024, all businesses and persons who provide electric bicycles for rent in the City must equip each such vehicle with geofencing technology that prevents use of the electric motor on the Strand, Pier Plaza, the Greenbelt and any other places in the City where electric bicycles are not allowed to operate.

Redondo Beach Municipal Codes

 For updated information, please check municipal codes for your city.

About E-Bikes

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are bicycles equipped with an electric motor that assists and/or propels the rider. The motor gets its power from a rechargeable battery mounted on the bike. 

Here is information on the 3 types of e-bikes: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3.

Class 1:

Class 2:

Class 3:

Benefits of E-Biking

Electric bikes have a lot to offer riders of all sorts. Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint or take advantage of this new technology on bike trips, here are some general benefits that come with e-bikes. Click on the title below to expand on the topic.

Benefits

Considerations and Risks of E-Bikes

E-bikes provide an exciting new way to get around, but they also come with injury risks, can be more expensive, require more technical maintenance and be more prone to manufacturing defects.

Considerations and Risks

Safety Tips

As e-bikes become more popular in the Beach Cities, the risks and dangers that come with them also increase. Research shows that e-bike accidents happen about three times more frequently than traditional bicycles and can be more severe (Comparison of Injury Patterns between Electric Bicycle, Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021. 3359. 10.3390/jcm10153359). E-bike riders must take the time to familiarize themselves with the potential dangers e-bikes present to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Most e-bike accidents, and the most severe, are correlated with riders that do not follow safety recommendations.

Click on the title below to expand on the topic.

Safety

Pre-Ride Safety Checklist

Before hitting the road on your e-bike, it is important to ensure that your bike is in good condition and fully prepared for your ride. A pre-ride safety checklist can help you avoid accidents, injuries and mechanical breakdowns, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. In this section, we will provide you with a comprehensive pre-ride safety checklist to help you stay safe on your e-bike.

Click on the title below to expand on the topic.

Safety Checklist

Battery and Equipment 

Rules of the Road

Each year in California, more than 100 bicyclists are killed and over 10,000 are injured in collisions, commonly caused by bicyclists’ or motorists’ behavior, lack of skill or attention (California Department of Transportation). Although bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and are subject to the same rules and regulations, it is crucial that bicyclists pay attention to traffic signs and signals and follow all rules to reduce the risk of collisions, while on the road.

Click on the title below to expand on the topics.

Rules