electric bicycle | 511 Contra Costa

Tag: electric bicycle

New California Transportation Laws for 2026

Posted on

With the start of the new year, a number of new laws and fare or toll increases go into effect. We’ve selected the most significant ones affecting pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists.

TOLL & FARE INCREASES

Toll Increases for Seven Bay Area Bridges
On January 1, 2026, tolls at the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges went up by 50¢. Regular tolls for two-axle cars and trucks (as well as motorcycles) at the San Francisco-Oakland Bay, Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward Bridges are now $8.50. (Cars with 3 or more passengers and a FasTrak Flex tag set to 3+ can receive 50% off these tolls.)

BART Fare Increase
On January 1, 2026, BART fares increased 6.2% to keep pace with inflation. The average fare went up 30 cents, from $4.88 to $5.18. This increase allows the agency to pay for continued operations and to work toward restoring financial stability.

MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY

Slow Down and Move Over (AB 390, Wilson)
Expands the “slow down and move over” law to include any stationary vehicle or highway maintenance vehicle using flashing hazard lights or warning devices. Drivers approaching such a vehicle must move into a lane that is not next to the stopped vehicle or slow down to a safe speed if changing lanes is not possible.

ELECTRIC BICYCLE SAFETY

Electric Bicycles: Reflector or Rear Light Required (AB 544, Davies)
E-bikes must have a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear during all hours of operation, not just during darkness as the law previously required.

Off-Highway Electric Motorcycles (SB 586, Jones)
An “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” is now defined as a vehicle that:

  • Is designed primarily for off-highway use
  • Is powered by an electric motor that does not require a motor number
  • Has handlebars for steering, a manufacturer-provided straddle seat, and two wheels
  • Is not equipped with manufacturer-provided pedals

The law also classifies an “off-highway electric motorcycle” or “eMoto” as an off-highway motor vehicle (OHV), thereby requiring the operator to follow OHV rules, including displaying a DMV-issued ID plate or placard.

Electric Bicycles and Storage Batteries (SB 1271, Min)
Beginning January 1, 2026, the law requires that e-bikes and their components, such as batteries and charging systems, must be tested by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards. The bill also mandates labeling these products to show compliance with safety regulations, ensuring consumers are informed.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

School Zone Speed Limits (AB 382, Berman)
Gives local authorities the discretion to lower the school zone speed limit from 25 to 20 miles per hour. On January 1, 2031, the speed limit for school zones throughout California will automatically decrease from 25 to 20 miles per hour.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Autonomous Vehicles (AB 1777, Ting)
Law enforcement officers now have the ability to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle (AV) noncompliance” to an AV manufacturer for an alleged traffic violation committed by one of their vehicles.  

IMPROVEMENTS FOR DRIVERS

Duplicate Driver’s License for Change of Address (AB 506, Committee on Transportation)
Allows a person to request a duplicate driver’s license from the DMV after they change their address. Previous law limited duplicate licenses to cases where the license was lost, destroyed, mutilated, or a new true full name was required.

Parking Ticket Relief (AB 1299, Bryan)
Authorizes local governments to waive or reduce parking penalties if a person is unable to pay and requires the provision of a payment plan if requested. The goal is to prevent escalating fines, vehicle towing, and lien sales that can disproportionately impact low-income individuals.

To read more about these and other new transportation laws, check out the DMV’s list of noteworthy new laws taking effect in 2026.

Additional Reading:

New California Transportation Laws for 2025

New California Transportation Laws for 2024

New California Transportation Laws for 2023

New California Transportation Laws for 2022

New California Transportation Laws for 2021

What Parents Should Know About E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Posted on

E-bikes are gaining popularity with teens and pre-teens as they offer independence, allow longer trips, and can cruise up steep hills. Hauling heavy books and equipment is a lot easier, too. More kids on bikes means fewer cars on the road, which is a benefit for everyone.

No matter what type of e-device your child is riding, a parent or another experienced adult cyclist is advised to ride with their child to teach rules of the road and safe riding skills. Having them take a training course is a great way to help keep them safe.

If your child cannot maintain control, rides unpredictably, or has trouble handling the device in various conditions, it is too soon for them to graduate from their traditional, non-motorized bike or scooter.

Should I Get My Child an E-Bike?

Photo of teen riding e-bike on street

For now, no law prohibits minors from riding Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes (those with maximum assist speeds of 20 mph). To operate a Class 3 e-bike, which can provide assisted speeds of up to 28 mph, riders must be at least 16 years of age, although a driver’s license is not required.

It’s also important to know the difference between e-bikes and e-motos, which are essentially mini-motorcycles. E-motos are of particular concern in many cities and school districts.

Parents are advised to assess their child’s cycling skills and to consider their levels of experience and maturity before allowing them to ride an e-bike. More:

  • Children under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet on any type of bike/e-bike, scooter, skateboard, or roller skates. (Adults are also legally required to wear a helmet on Class 3 bikes.)
  • In most cases, riding any type of bike on sidewalks (including e-bikes) is less safe than riding in the bike lane. Sidewalk riding is not permitted in most places.
  • The speed limit on multi-use trails – including all paved East Bay Regional Parks trails – is 15 mph.
  • Parents: Be aware that many Class 2 e-bikes can be easily modified after purchase to go faster than 20 mph, allowing tech-savvy kids to travel at speeds unsafe for their level of experience.
  • E-bikes are heavier and harder to maneuver than traditional bicycles; it takes longer to stop them at higher speeds.
Learn More About Safe E-Biking

Should I Get My Child an E-Scooter?

If you’re looking to score big points by giving your child an electric scooter, be aware that California state law requires a driver’s license to operate an e-scooter. This means children younger than 16 cannot legally ride an e-scooter. More:

  • Helmets are mandatory for electric scooter riders under the age of 18.
  • E-scooters cannot be ridden on sidewalks or multi-use trails – including Iron Horse and Canal Trails.
  • The speed limit for scooters in bike lanes is 15 mph.
  • Riding tandem, with a buddy, is not allowed.
  • E-scooter riders must follow all the same rules of the road as drivers.

California E-Bike Incentive: Apply May 29

Posted on
Logo for California E-Bike Incentive Project. Photo of man with arms spread standing beside an electric bicycle. Text reads: The first e-bike incentive application window OPENS on December 18th at 6pm PST.

On May 29, 2025, California residents can apply for $1,750 or more to purchase an e-bike through the California E-Bike Incentive Project. Funds will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.

NOTE: Due to technical issues on April 29 preventing the awarding of e-bike incentives, May 29 is the rescheduled SECOND application window. The program is rolling out a revamped process intended to address problems experienced in April.

Documents You’ll Need to Apply

To help you get ready, here’s a quick checklist of documents you’ll need to have ready when you apply. Documents need to be in a digital format to be uploaded. Digital file types include, but are not limited to PDF files, scans, JPEG or PNG file formats.

  1. Proof of California Residency – California Driver’s License, AB 60 License, or California ID card. The document must be current/valid and issued by the California DMV. If the address on the identification is not up to date, this is a list of documents you can submit.
  2. Proof of Income Eligibility – Provide documents to verify that your annual gross household income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The easiest form to submit is a Federal Tax Transcript, easily downloaded or requested by mail from: tax records and transcripts. If you don’t file taxes, refer to this list of acceptable documents. 

Taking a few minutes now to gather these documents will help streamline your application so you’re all set to apply as soon as the window opens.

What Can You Do Now to Get Ready?

To ensure you’re prepared, here’s what you need to focus on:

1) Check your eligibility – Click HERE to learn more about eligibility.

2) Watch the how-to apply video – Click HERE to watch the step by step application process video.

3) Prepare your income verification documents – Click HERE to learn more about income verification.

4) Have your current/valid California ID ready and ensure your ID is up to date to avoid any delays. 

5) Watch the 2 online training videos – Click the links below to watch the training videos prior to applying.

Watch the E-Bike Safety Video
Watch the Climate Impact Video

6) Check out the FAQ’s – Click HERE to review the California E-Bike Incentives Project FAQ page.


For more information, visit ebikeincentives.org.