Community News

E-bikes: what to know

 

by: OCSD
Published: January 28, 2026

 

ORANGE COUNTY...E-bikes are becoming more common on our street for kids and teens.

While fun and convenient, e-bikes come with responsibility for both riders and parents to understand how to use them safely and follow the law.  

We encourage parents of e-bike riders and riders themselves to learn the class of e-bike being ridden. Knowing e-bike classes helps determine where and how one can be ridden and what rules apply.

Just like traditional bicycles, e-bikes must follow traffic laws:

• Ride in the same direction as traffic
• Follow rules for slow-moving vehicles
• Use bike lanes when available, unless making a left turn, passing another rider or preparing for a right turn
• Sidewalk riding is limited. If you're riding on a sidewalk, you must travel at walking speed and yield to those on foot.

When riding e-bikes, helmets are required for all riders younger than 18. Helmets are required for all ages for Class 3 e-bikes, which reach speeds of 28 mph.

Those younger than 16 are not allowed to ride Class 3 e-bikes.