New E-Bike Rules Go into Effect Next Week

Last month, the Tiburon Town Council adopted new electric mobility device (aka EMD) rules, including electric bicycles, scooters, and motorized boards. The new rules go into effect next week.

E-bikes have rapidly increased in popularity in our community, and it is important that everyone knows the rules and laws of these devices so riders, motorists, and pedestrians alike can all stay safe on our paths and roadways.

Safe operation of EMDs remains a growing concern in our community, so the new rules aim to improve the safe operation of these devices. The new rules do provide for exemptions for persons with mobility disabilities utilizing a wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device.

Here is a refresher on the rules for riding an EMD in Tiburon:

• Class 1 and Class 2 EMDs, electric scooters, motorized boards and personal assisted devices like wheelchairs are permitted on the Old Rail Trail, and riders must follow the speed limit of 15 miles per hour (and 8 miles per hour when pedestrians are present).
• EMD operators on the Old Rail Trail must follow the same rules as bicycles on the Old Rail Trail, including yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians, no more than two persons should ride side-by-side, and no racing. EMD operators and bicyclists on the Old Rail Trail are encouraged to practice safe and respectful rules of the road.
• Class 3 EMDs are not permitted on the Old Rail Trail. Class 3 EMDs are bikes with a top assisted speed of 28 mph that must be pedaled to operate.
• Class 3 EMDs are only permitted in bike lanes on the roadway, and riders must be 16 or older and wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet to ride a Class 3 EMD.
• Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 EMDs are not permitted on sidewalks, public athletic fields/sports courts (including McKegney Green), or anywhere else bicycles are prohibited.
• Riders may not ride "double" or "tandem" on any EMD designed for a single person.
• Riders under the age of 16 may not ride "double" or "tandem" on any EMD, regardless of the device's ability to do so.

All EMD operators should obey all traffic laws and speed limits and take care to operate the EMD with the safety in mind of all other persons or vehicles in the immediate area. Any business in Tiburon that rents or sells EMDs should provide safety and legal use information at the time of sale, rental, or upon request.

Offenders of the new rules will be required to take education-oriented classes offered by local bike organizations to encourage safe and lawful use of these devices.

Have a look at the graphic below or click here to view a helpful flyer with more information about e-bikes in California.