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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 e‑bikes in that age group, Smith said.
Surgeons and trauma specialists told the board they are seeing injuries from throttle e‑bike crashes that resemble motor vehicle or motorcycle trauma. John Moll, a surgeon who addressed the board during public comment, said Marin's experience matches national clinical concerns: “In Marin, 1 of every 8 e‑bike patients brought as a full trauma activation to the hospital expired, representing a 37‑times increased risk of dying compared to pedal bicyclists,” he said.
Supporters at the meeting described the ordinance as an important, targeted step paired with education. Smith said the county is coordinating a countywide public education campaign aimed at teens and parents that will run through school districts and community partners; staff proposed a delayed effective date of July 1 so cities and towns can adopt consistent rules and outreach materials can be distributed before enforcement begins.
The motion to introduce the ordinance was made by Supervisor Milton Peters and seconded by Supervisor Colbert; the board voted unanimously to schedule the second reading and adoption for May 20.
Opponents at the hearing urged caution and asked for more focus on enforcement and on allowing trained younger riders to use certain machines; one commenter suggested licensing and training for ages 12–16. Proponents, including trauma surgeons and injured youth who spoke, said the age restriction addresses the disproportionate injury risk for throttle e‑bikes and that helmets and maintenance messaging are essential complements to the new restriction.
If adopted, the ordinance would add Chapter 15.58 to the Marin County Code for unincorporated areas and make possession or operation of a class 2 e‑bike by someone under 16 unlawful; it would also require helmet use for class 2 operators of any age. The ordinance governs local roads and paved multiuse paths in unincorporated Marin; existing county and parks rules already prohibit e‑bikes on unpaved trails.
The board and staff stressed the ordinance is only part of the county strategy: education, collaboration with school districts, bike shops, and law enforcement, and countywide alignment with cities and towns are intended to reduce injuries and clarify expectations for parents and teens.
The ordinance now goes to a second reading and potential adoption at the May 20 board meeting; education materials will be rolled out leading up to a July 1 effective date proposed by staff.
