Getting from point A to point B around the Bay Area is not always a piece of cake. Between the traffic that makes driving a pain and the hilly landscape that can turn any cycling commute into a workout, it’s no wonder that electric bicycles (e-bikes) have become commonplace around the region.
In many ways, e-bikes have changed the game for commuters on two-wheels. With motorized pedal assistance, e-bikes allow the cyclist to go farther with more power and avoid sitting through bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic. However, they can also cause frustration for other cyclists, pedestrians, and road users when e-bike cyclists zip by and impede safety.
If you’re considering joining the e-bike community or already are and want to improve your ride, take some time to review a few common etiquette and safety tips that will make the road or trail a better place for all.
Share the road
“Share the road” is a common phrase cyclists associate with vehicle drivers, especially in places where there are no dedicated bike lanes. This is important for e-bike riders to remember as well. With fast cars and potentially slower bicycles around you, you’ll want to make sure that you’re not hogging a lane or pushing other cyclists out into the road where they may face distracted or uncareful drivers.
If you’re in a busy area and coming up on another cyclist, let them know that you’re there. Ringing a bell or a quick “on your left” can make them more aware of your presence so they don’t make any unpredictable moves that could cause you danger.
Likewise, pedestrians may not realize you’re traveling so fast and may dart out into your path or into others’ paths.
A 2024 study of interactions between e-bikes and pedestrians reminds us that there is a gap in research of how e-bikes affect shared spaces. However, it’s clear that designated infrastructure could help all road users share the road.
“Although shared spaces are designed to accommodate vulnerable road users, it is essential to recognize that some users are more vulnerable than others, and shared spaces should not compromise user safety,” the researchers write. “Our study shows that e-bike riders in overtaking scenarios tend to adjust their speed and position rather than stopping, and overtaking often occurs. This behaviour can increase the risk of conflicts and collisions. Considering the high speed and agility of e-bikes, navigation in some cases can be challenging. While e-bikes generally have a speed limit of 25 km/h in several countries, there may be a need for more specific speed limits in congested areas with narrow roads.”
Mind your speed
Chances are, you’re probably reaching speeds higher than that of a traditional cyclist. Some e-bikes reach speeds of nearly 30mph, so it’s critical to adjust your speed with your surroundings.
As the researchers found in their study, because you’re traveling faster than the cyclists and pedestrians around you, you’re more likely to go around instead of stopping or slowing down. In these busy scenarios, it’s important to pay attention to your speed and the speed of those around you — just like you would in a car.
If traffic is building or slowing, tap the brakes or slow down. This keeps everybody safe, including yourself. In most areas, there aren’t posted speed limits for bicycles or e-bikes, so it’s up to you to judge if you’re traveling too fast.
Speed also plays a critical role in the severity of crashes, which is why emergency departments all around the country are reporting that they’re seeing more serious cases of injured e-bike riders. In California alone, researchers have found that e-bike incidents rose by 1,800% from 2018 to 2023.
Speed increases the force of an impact, so be sure to adjust when necessary, slow down, and wear the appropriate gear that will help to protect you.
Understanding E-bike regulations
There are also laws that every e-bike rider in California should know about. While e-bikes are treated like ordinary bikes — no license is required to operate an e-bike — they are categorized by legislation into three classes:
Class 1: A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: A bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20mph.
Class 3: A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28mph, and that is equipped with a speedometer.
This class system mostly comes into play at the local level when municipalities decide what type of e-bike is allowed to operate where. Some trails prohibit Class 3 e-bikes, but most allow Class 1. Always check to see the regulations in the area you’ll be riding. This helps keep trails safe for all users and prevents the cyclist from facing any kind of trouble.
Finally, if you’re buying an e-bike in the state of California, it should come with a safety certification for the battery. This law was enacted in 2025 with the support of many cycling organizations and municipalities. E-bike batteries have, in some cases, started fires and caused burns and injuries for riders. Be sure to check for the safety certification before you hit the road.