Sheriff's deputy outlines e‑bike rules and urges education first

Deputy Jeff Dean of the Sanina County Sheriff's Department told the council that California law treats electric two‑wheel vehicles either as bicycles or as motor vehicles, depending on motor power, top speed and whether functioning pedals are present.

Deputy Dean summarized the three e‑bike classes: Class 1 (pedal‑assist, max 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle‑assisted, max 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal‑assist, max 28 mph and riders must be 16 or older). He said that vehicles with motors of about 750 watts or larger, or machines without functioning pedals, are treated as electric motorcycles and are subject to motorcycle rules including registration and licensing.

“There's no in between,” Deputy Dean said, explaining enforcement distinctions and related vehicle‑code sections for unlicensed or unregistered electric motorcycles. He also emphasized lighting and helmet requirements for night riding and younger riders.

Council members and residents asked about modifications that increase speed, wheelies and large groups of riders. Deputy Dean said modifications that raise a bike's top speed into the Class 3 or electric‑motorcycle range would change the vehicle's legal classification and could trigger enforcement. On risky riding, he described a stepped approach—education first, warnings or citations for repeat or reckless offenders, and targeted enforcement for dangerous behavior on city streets.

Deputy Dean and the council discussed possible safety courses; he said he would consult neighboring contract cities about programs and noted a motorcycle safety course that local advocates have used in other jurisdictions. The briefing closed with a shared emphasis on public education for juveniles and the possibility of coordinated school outreach.