Santa Rosa Police warn of rising e-bike incidents; education, school partnerships and new impound law cited as tools

The Santa Rosa Police Department briefed the Public Safety Subcommittee on the growth in e-bike use and related safety complaints, particularly around middle schools and parks.

Captain Dan Marencic explained the three-class system that determines whether a device is an e-bike or a motorized bicycle or motorcycle: Class 1 provides pedal-assist up to 20 mph; Class 2 includes a throttle but is limited to 20 mph; Class 3 is pedal-assist up to 28 mph and requires operators to be at least 16. He said devices that do not fit these classes are treated as motorized bicycles or motorcycles and may require a license.

Marencic presented department data showing a rise in e-bike incidents from 33 in 2023 to 80 so far in 2025 and said many complaints involve juveniles near school campuses. The department is taking a three-pronged approach: internal officer training, public education and school partnerships, and focused enforcement operations (traffic teams and motor officers in problem locations).

He pointed to a recent state law, AB 875 (effective Oct. 1), that allows officers to impound devices that exceed e-bike class limits or are operated illegally; the law includes a minimum 48-hour impoundment period. Marencic said labeling requirements have improved and that sales-sellers should affix class labels; advocates and police noted some devices sold as e-bikes exceed the 750-watt motor limit and do not meet class definitions.

Public commenters from bicycle-advocacy groups urged education rather than demonization of e-bikes and asked for clearer labeling and state-level standards. The committee discussed whether signage or speed limits for certain bike lanes might be appropriate and asked staff to coordinate education and enforcement with school partners and transportation planning.