As your Mayor, I am committed to making Concord a safe and accessible city for all, whether you are walking, driving, or riding. Electric bikes and scooters have become a fantastic way for our community members—especially our youth—to get around, but with these new technologies comes a responsibility to understand the rules of the road.

To help keep our streets safe, I want to highlight some essential information regarding e-bikes and scooters.

Understanding Your Ride

California law categorizes e-bikes into three distinct classes, and knowing which one you own is vital for your safety and for staying within the law:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with a maximum speed of 20 mph. These are generally allowed anywhere regular bikes go.
• Class 2: These include a throttle and can reach 20 mph without pedaling.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, but can reach up to 28 mph. Because of this higher speed, riders must be at least 16 years old and a helmet is required for everyone, regardless of age.

It is also important to note that e-scooters require a valid driver’s license or learner's permit and are limited to 15 mph. Many devices that look like bikes but lack pedals or exceed 750 watts are technically mopeds or motorcycles, which require registration and specific licensing.

A Focus on Safety and Learning

While e-bikes offer a great alternative to car trips, they are faster and heavier than traditional bicycles. We are seeing a growing need for more education to prevent collisions and protect both riders and pedestrians.

Safety is not just about having the right gear; it’s about having the right knowledge. I strongly encourage all riders, and especially parents of young cyclists, to invest time in learning:

• The Rules of the Road: E-bikes must follow the same traffic laws as cars, including stopping at signs and signals.
• Proper Equipment: Beyond helmets, new laws will soon require specific lights and reflectors for increased visibility.
• Skill Building: Handling a bike at 20 or 28 mph requires different skills than a standard pedal bike.

Learn More

We are fortunate to have excellent local resources to help us navigate these changes. I invite you to visit the following pages for comprehensive guides on regulations, safety courses, and tips for choosing the right bike for your family:

• City of Walnut Creek: Electric Bikes and Scooters Guide – For a detailed breakdown of vehicle classes and local ordinances.
• Bike East Bay: Youth Cyclists and E-Bikes – For resources on youth-specific safety and free education classes.

The City of Concord’s website will have similar information in the near future. 

Let’s work together to make sure that as Concord moves forward, we do so safely. Happy riding!