Electric bicycles, or e‑bikes, continue to grow in popularity across Ventura County, especially among youth. With increased speed and motorized power come added safety considerations. This page provides essential safety tips and local resources to help riders stay protected on the road.

Why E‑Bike Safety Matters
Community partners such as trauma centers and law enforcement have identified rising concerns related to e‑bike injuries, e-bike traffic collisions, unsafe riding behaviors, and confusion about local regulations.

Check out our e-bike data dashboard, which explores the incidence of 911 responses and Emergency Department visits related to e-bikes and compares them with conventional bikes.

Know the Three Classifications of E‑Bikes

• Class I: Bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph that must be pedaled to operate.

• Class II: Bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph that can be operated without pedaling by using a handlebar-mounted throttle.

• Class III: Bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph that must be pedaled to operate. Minimum age of 16 to ride.

Tips to Stay Safe on E-Bikes:

• Wear a helmet. Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet, regardless of your age or the type of bike you’re riding.

• Follow traffic laws. Obey all traffic rules and regulations. Stop at stop signs and obey traffic signals. E-bikes are subject to the same laws as traditional bicycles.

• Avoid distractions.Stay focused on the road and avoid using electronic devices while riding. Keep both hands on the handlebars.

• Ride solo. Unless the bike has another permanent seat, or when using a child safety seat.

• Be visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing and use bike lights at night.

• Watch for pedestrians. Be considerate of pedestrians, especially in shared-use paths. Slow down and give them the right of way when necessary.

• Practice before riding in traffic. Practice on roads with bike lanes or less traffic.

Additional Resources

• American College of Surgeons: Electric Bicycle Safety and Injury Prevention

• California Highway Patrol: Electric Bicycle Safety Course

• City of Thousand Oaks: Electric Bikes, Scooters, and Motorcycles

• City of Ventura Police Department: Electric Bicycles

• City of Ventura Police Department: Ventura’s E-Bike Regulations Explained

• Ventura County Sheriff’s Media Release: E-Bike, Bicycle, and Scooter Education and Enforcement

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Which Helmet for Which Activity?

Videos

• City of Ventura Voices: Episode 4 E-Bike Regulations Explained

• Ventura County Sheriff’s: From Impact to Recovery; A Severe E-Bike Accident Story