E-bike Safety

Whether you’re on an e-bike or a traditional bike, understanding the rules of the road helps keep everyone safe. The city, in partnership with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department and San Marcos Unified School District, encourages residents to ride responsibly and stay informed about e-bike safety guidelines.

Know your e-bike

An e-bike is an electric bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

The same rules of the road that apply to human-powered bicycles apply to all types of e-bikes and human-powered bicycles.
Electric bicycles do not need registration, licensing or insurance like a car or motorcycle.

Bike Photograph

Class 1

Bike Photograph

Class 2

Bike Photograph

Class 3

Power

Pedal Assist

Throttle

Pedal Assist

Max Speed

20 mph

28 mph

Minimum Age

Helmet Required

Under 18

All ages

Allowed on Sidewalks

E-motorcycles are NOT e-bikes

E-motorcycles, like Sur-ron, Talaria, 79-Bike, Rawrr Mantis, and Stark, are not considered e-bikes by law.
Riders must have a Drivers License with a "motorcycle endorsement" is required.
E-motorcycles must be registered just like a car, and you must have proof of insurance.
Most e-motorcycles are not street legal without modifications (including adding turn signals, mirrors and license plate holders).
E-motorcycles do not have functioning pedals. Instead, they are entirely powered by the motor, not by the rider pedaling.

Under 12 law

On Oct. 28, the San Marcos City Council voted to ban e-bike riders under 12, as part of a comprehensive traffic safety campaign that also includes:

Partnering with the San Marcos Unified School District, San Marcos Sheriff and parent groups to host on campus events to raise awareness of the rules of the road
Increasing the Sheriff’s enforcement efforts
Increasing the availability of e-bike safety training throughout San Marcos
Installing signs prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks in business districts

When does it go into effect?

It's in effect now, however the Sheriff will first focus on educating people about the new law. Enforcement will begin in February 2026.

Rules of the road

Bicyclists and e-bike riders are subject to all the same rules of the road as motorists. Riders who do not follow the rules are subject to ticketing and fines as defined by the Vehicle or Municipal Code.

Make sure to follow these guidelines:

Riders under 18 and under must wear a helmet.
Traffic lights, signs, and signals apply to all road users, including e-bike riders.
Cyclists must ride to the right edge of the road as practical. If you're riding slower than traffic, ride in the bike lane. You can leave the bike lane to turn left, pass someone, avoid a road hazard or avoid cars turning right.
Sidewalks and cross walks are meant for pedestrians. Dismount and walk your e-bike in these areas. You must stop at crosswalks for pedestrians.
Be aware of other road users and try to match the average speed. This means riding slowly in areas with pedestrians.
Must stop at red lights.
Must stop before right turn at red lights.
Must stop at stop signs.
Weaving in and out of traffic is prohibited.
Riding against the flow of traffic is prohibited.
Cyclists must ride to the right edge of road as practical.
Proper reflective equipment must be used (during night operation).
When a bicycle lane is available, bicyclists are required to use the bike lane unless they are traveling as fast as traffic.

Passengers

Most e-bikes are not equipped to carry passengers. E-bikes can only transport passengers if there is a designated spot for passengers and transportation can be carried out safely.
Passengers are required to wear a helmet if they are under 18.
Class 3 e-bike riders must not transport passengers.