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Ross council approves first reading of ordinance applying AB 1778 locally: bans throttle (class 2) e‑bikes for under‑16 riders and requires helmets
Summary
After presentations from county staff and local health and safety experts, Ross Town Council voted unanimously to introduce for first reading a local ordinance implementing California Assembly Bill 1778: class 2 (throttle) e‑bike riders must be 16 or older and all class 2 riders must wear helmets; measure received wide public support
The Ross Town Council voted unanimously on Aug. 14 to introduce for first reading a local ordinance that implements California Assembly Bill 1778 within Ross: the ordinance would prohibit riders under 16 from operating class 2 (throttle) e‑bikes and require helmets for all class 2 riders.
The ordinance implements state law that allows local jurisdictions to restrict throttle‑powered e‑bikes for younger riders following safety concerns raised across Marin County. Chief Ralph Pada of the Ross Police Department described local outreach and education campaigns the department has conducted, and Talia Smith, Marin County legislative affairs, summarized county‑level data that showed significantly higher emergency‑call and injury rates for young riders on throttle e‑bikes.
“Between 2019 and 2022, Marin 911 calls saw a 110% increase in bike accidents involving 10‑ to 15‑year‑olds,” Smith told council members, and county tracking introduced in 2023 shows a much higher relative injury rate for throttle e‑bikes: “when it comes to ebikes, it’s five times as high,” she said, noting county and medical‑community concern about the severity of injuries.
Local advocates urged adoption. Bob Mittelstaedt, a Marin resident who has campaigned on the issue, told the council the law provides a clear standard: “If it’s a throttle, it’s got a class 2 label, you gotta be 16.” Medical and trauma surgeons also urged adoption; Dr. John Ma, representing regional medical societies, said hospitals had seen more severe injuries associated with throttle e‑bikes.
The council’s action was procedural: the body voted to introduce the ordinance for a first reading, initiating the local ordinance process so the measure can return for a future final reading and adoption. Mayor McMillan called the measure “necessary in its time”; council members and several public commenters urged strong, coordinated enforcement with neighboring jurisdictions and continued public‑education campaigns.
Ending: Council members asked staff and county partners to coordinate countywide enforcement and education so the new local rules are applied consistently across neighboring towns.
