Tiburon council unanimously approves first reading of Marin e‑bike safety ordinance

The Tiburon Town Council on April 2 approved first reading of an ordinance to adopt Marin County’s electric bicycle safety provisions, including an age limit for throttle-equipped (class 2) e‑bikes and mandatory helmets for class 2 riders.

The council’s action followed presentations from Talia Smith, director of legislative and intergovernmental affairs for the County of Marin, and Dr. Jonathan Ma, a governor of the American College of Surgeons and former president of the San Francisco Marin Medical Society. Smith told the council Marin began separating e‑bike crash data from conventional bicycle crashes in 2023 and that “the 10 to 15 year old age group … when talking about e‑bikes … [has] 5 times as high” a serious‑injury 9‑1‑1 crash rate compared with other age groups. Dr. Ma said hospital trauma data show “e‑bike victims compared to regular bicyclists … were more likely to require admission to the hospital” and cited higher mortality and more severe injuries in e‑bike crashes.

The ordinance under consideration implements elements of Assembly Bill 1778 (referred to in staff and public presentations as “AB 17 78”), which Smith summarized as amending the state vehicle code to allow Marin jurisdictions to set a minimum age of 16 for class 2 (throttle) e‑bikes and to require helmets for riders 18 and older on class 2 devices. Smith said the county and Transportation Authority of Marin plan a countywide public education campaign targeted at teens and parents and that jurisdictions implementing the ordinance aim for consistent rules across Marin.

Public commenters supported the ordinance. Bob Mittelstaedt of Ebike Access said the change “will send a message to parents, that they shouldn't let their kids under 16 ride throttle e‑bikes.” Warren Wells of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition emphasized the countywide helmet requirement and asked that education target visitors as well as residents. Several local residents and health professionals described severe injuries they’ve seen and urged adoption.

Council members discussed enforcement and education. Smith and other presenters acknowledged enforcement of an age restriction will typically arise only when officers already have contact with a rider (for example, for another traffic infraction); the ordinance is intended primarily to set a clear legal standard and support the county’s education effort. Council members also asked about registration and visible class markings; staff said California law requires a class sticker on e‑bikes and that the county’s education campaign will remind owners of that requirement.

Mayor Holly Thier read the ordinance title and the council voted on first reading by roll call. The vote was unanimous: Council member Fredericks, Council member Nick Farr, Council member Ryan, Vice Mayor Wellner and Mayor Thier all voted yes. The ordinance will be scheduled for adoption at a subsequent council meeting if the council approves final reading.

Background: presenters and several public commenters described a rise in e‑bike use and hospital evidence of more severe injuries from some e‑bike crashes. The county and health‑system presenters framed the action as a public‑safety measure to reduce serious injuries among youth and to harmonize local regulations with a countywide campaign.

Votes at a glance - April 2, 2025 — First reading of ordinance to adopt Marin electric bicycle safety program provisions: Roll call — Fredericks: yes; Nick Farr: yes; Ryan: yes; Wellner: yes; Mayor Holly Thier: yes. First reading approved; adoption to be scheduled.

Next steps and context: Staff and county representatives said a countywide education campaign is planned for distribution to schools and social media before the end of the school year. Council members asked staff to monitor enforcement outcomes and coordination with county programs.