Corte Madera council introduces ordinance under state e‑bike pilot banning class 2 use by under‑16s, adds helmet rule

The Corte Madera Town Council on Tuesday voted 5‑0 to introduce an ordinance implementing Assembly Bill 1778, the Marin Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program, which would bar anyone under 16 from operating a class 2 electric bicycle in town and require anyone riding a class 2 e‑bike to wear a helmet. The ordinance, if finalized, would take effect July 1, 2025, with a 60‑day warning and education period before citation enforcement begins.

Safety officials told the council the measure is intended to reduce injuries and enforce consistent rules across Marin County. "Assembly Bill 1778 ... is really focusing on reducing the number of injuries sustained by that age group, as well as just safe operations, of class 2 e bikes," said Lieutenant Duenas, who oversees the traffic division for the Central Marin Police Authority. He cited Marin Public Health data showing higher accident rates among 10‑ to 15‑year‑olds.

The ordinance would adopt two main provisions from the state pilot: a local ban on class 2 e‑bike operation by people…