E-Bike Safety
Could Save Your—or
Your Kids’—Lives

E-Bike Safety
Could Save Your—or
Your Kids’—Lives

E-Bike Safety
Could Save Your—or
Your Kids’—Lives

E-bikes (electric bikes) have become a popular way to get around in Fresno County. They’re fast and convenient, but they’re also not regulated like motor vehicles, and local emergency room doctors are seeing severe injuries from e-bike accidents.

4X

Sales in 5 years

E-bike sales have quadrupled in the U.S. over the past 5 years

The most frequent e-bike injuries are head injuries

Only a third of injured
e-bike accident patients are reported to wear helmets

E-bike injuries are more severe than regular bicycle injuries; ER doctors are seeing traumatic brain injuries, facial fractures, and orthopedic fractures

E-bike injuries are more severe than regular bicycle injuries; ER doctors are seeing traumatic brain injuries, facial fractures, and orthopedic fractures

When serious accidents
occur, one study found that those on e-bikes die at a rate 37% higher than those on conventional bikes

37%

higher Death Rate

E-bikes are not regulated as motor vehicles under federal law

E-bikes that bypass legal maximum speed restrictions can be purchased online and shipped to California, increasing the risk of serious injuries and death

Speed Limit

28

MPH

E‑Bike Safety 101

A serious e-bike crash can happen in seconds—even on a familiar street or a short ride through the neighborhood. Before you or your child’s next ride, learn how to make it safer and help avoid a trip to the emergency room.

E-Bike Safety 101

A serious e-bike crash can happen in seconds—even on a familiar street or a short ride through the neighborhood. Before you or your child’s next ride, learn how to make it safer and help avoid a trip to the emergency room.

1

Helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%.

Wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride, and choose one that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards, which are intended for bicycle speeds of 20 miles per hour (mph) and under. For traveling at speeds above 20 mph, the Department of Transportation-certified helmets are recommended.

1

Helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%.

Wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride, and choose one that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards, which are intended for bicycle speeds of 20 miles per hour (mph) and under. For traveling at speeds above 20 mph, the Department of Transportation-certified helmets are recommended.

2

Know the rules for the bike you’re riding.

In Fresno County, class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on most bike paths, have no age restriction, and require a helmet for riders under 18. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on bike paths, require riders to be 16 or older, and require all riders to wear helmets, regardless of age.

2

Know the rules for the bike you’re riding.

In Fresno County, class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on most bike paths, have no age restriction, and require a helmet for riders under 18. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on bike paths, require riders to be 16 or older, and require all riders to wear helmets, regardless of age.

3

Follow the rules of the road.

Ride in the same direction as traffic. Stop at red lights and stop signs. Signal turns. Watch for vehicles and pedestrians.

3

Follow the rules of the road.

Ride in the same direction as traffic. Stop at red lights and stop signs. Signal turns. Watch for vehicles and pedestrians.

4

Follow safety laws.

Fines for riding without a helmet are up to $200. Riders can also face penalties for riding on prohibited sidewalks and for riding underage on class 3 bikes.

4

Follow safety laws.

Fines for riding without a helmet are up to $200. Riders can also face penalties for riding on prohibited sidewalks and for riding underage on class 3 bikes.

5

Put the phone away while riding and never ride while impaired.

5

Put the phone away while riding and never ride while impaired.

6

Remember that carrying passengers can affect balance and control.

6

Remember that carrying passengers can affect balance and control.

7

Watch your speed.

Faster speeds mean slower reaction time and greater risk of serious injury.

7

Watch your speed.

Faster speeds mean slower reaction time and greater risk of serious injury.

8

Watch for cars, pedestrians, cyclists and road hazards.

8

Watch for cars, pedestrians, cyclists and road hazards.

What’s an E‑Bike?

What’s an E‑Bike?

E-bikes are electric bicycles that can assist in pedaling or operate without pedaling at all.

E-bikes are electric bicycles that can assist in pedaling or operate without pedaling at all.

Throttle e-bikes don’t require you to pedal and operate more like a moped or motorcycle.

Pedal assist e-bikes give the rider a motorized boost while pedaling.

In the US, manufacturers currently classify e-bikes in three categories:

In the US, manufacturers currently classify e-bikes in three categories:

Class 1

Low-speed pedal-assisted

Up to

20

MPH

Class 1, also known as low-speed pedal-assisted e-bikes, provide assistance only while being pedaled and only at speeds under 20 miles an hour.

Class 2

Low-speed throttle-assisted

Up to

20

MPH

Class 2, also known as low-speed throttle-assisted e-bikes, provide power assistance up to 20 mph but have a throttle that allows the rider to engage the motor without pedaling.

Class 3

Speed pedal-assisted

Up to

28

MPH

Class 3, also known as speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles, are like Class 1 bicycles except that the motor assistance must stop when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

For comparison, the average bicycle speed for regular commuters is 12 to 16 mph.

For comparison, the average bicycle speed for regular commuters is 12 to 16 mph.

By California Law:

By California Law:

Helmets are mandatory for all riders and passengers under the age of 18 on any class of e-bike.

Helmets are mandatory for all riders and passengers under the age of 18 on any class of e-bike.

Helmets are mandatory for all riders, regardless of age, on class 3 e-bikes (which reach 28 mph).

Helmets are mandatory for all riders, regardless of age, on class 3 e-bikes (which reach 28 mph).

While people of all ages may ride Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes, Class 3 e-bikes may only be ridden by people who are 16 years old or older and who are wearing helmets.

Two-wheeled vehicles that go nearly 60 mph are being marketed as e-bikes and can be purchased online and shipped to California.

While people of all ages may ride Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes, Class 3 e-bikes may only be ridden by people who are 16 years old or older and who are wearing helmets.

Two-wheeled vehicles that go nearly 60 mph are being marketed as e-bikes and can be purchased online and shipped to California.

According to California’s Attorney General: 


According to California’s Attorney General: 


Two-wheeled vehicles that go over 28 miles per hour with pedal assistance or 20 miles per hour with throttle assistance are not e-bikes — under California law, they are mopeds or motorcycles and require additional licensing and age requirements to operate and sell.

Importantly, modifying an e-bike to exceed the speed or power limits mentioned above is dangerous, may transform the e-bike into a motorcycle or moped under California law, and may be a crime if riders do not have appropriate licenses.

Two-wheeled vehicles that go over 28 miles per hour with pedal assistance or 20 miles per hour with throttle assistance are not e-bikes — under California law, they are mopeds or motorcycles and require additional licensing and age requirements to operate and sell.

Importantly, modifying an e-bike to exceed the speed or power limits mentioned above is dangerous, may transform the e-bike into a motorcycle or moped under California law, and may be a crime if riders do not have appropriate licenses.

All e-bikes sold in California must have a permanent label that discloses the bike’s classification number, identifies the e-bike’s top assisted speed, and the wattage of its motor.

All e-bikes sold in California must have a permanent label that discloses the bike’s classification number, identifies the e-bike’s top assisted speed, and the wattage of its motor.

The Safest Ride Is the One That Gets You Home

The Safest Ride Is the One That Gets You Home

Small choices can prevent life-changing injuries.


Learn the rules, wear a helmet, and make every ride a safer one.

Sources


American College of Surgeons | www.facs.org

https://www.facs.org/about-acs/statements/statement-on-electric-bicycle-safety-and-injury-prevention/


California Attorney General, Rob Bonta | oag.ca.gov

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/too-fast-too-furious-attorney-general-bonta-california-district-attorneys-issue


Johns Hopkins Medicine | hopkinsmedicine.org

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/for-parents-bicycle--inline-skating--skateboarding--scooter-safety


Your Central Valley | yourcentralvalley.com

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/do-you-know-the-law-fresno-police-urge-e-bikers-to-learn-laws-and-safety/


NBC Bay Area | nbcbayarea.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99WQMv8tyAE&time_continue=0&source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reddit.com


National Public Radio | NPR.org

https://www.npr.org/2026/08/02/nx-s1-5913748/e-bike-injuries-are-on-the-rise-for-children-and-teens


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