Marin supervisors approve first reading of ordinance to restrict throttle e‑bikes for riders under 16

Summary

The Board of Supervisors introduced an ordinance, enabled by new state law AB 1778, that would ban class 2 (throttle) e‑bikes for people under 16 and require helmets for all class 2 operators in unincorporated Marin. The measure passed first reading and will return for adoption May 20 after a countywide public education rollout.

The Marin County Board of Supervisors voted on March 25 to introduce a local ordinance that would bar people younger than 16 from operating class 2 e‑bikes — throttle‑powered electric bicycles — in unincorporated parts of the county and require helmets for anyone using a class 2 e‑bike.

The action follows state legislation, Assembly Bill 1778, signed into law in 2024 that permits local jurisdictions in Marin to add age restrictions on class 2 e‑bikes. Talia Smith, director of legislative and intergovernmental affairs for the county, told the board the county has tracked a rise in serious e‑bike injuries among 10‑ to 15‑year‑olds and that emergency responders began differentiating e‑bike crashes from conventional bicycle crashes in 2023. The county’s EMS data showed a much higher rate of 9‑1‑1 calls tied to class 2…

Marin supervisors approve first reading of ordinance to restrict throttle e‑bikes for riders under 16

Summary

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