Concern is growing among Peninsulans that not enough is being done to protect riders, especially young ones, threatened by increasingly popular – and equally dangerous – battery power-assisted e-bikes.

E-bikes are easier to ride, faster, and more environmentally friendly. But they can also be extremely dangerous without taking proper precautions. There are risks associated with any activity involving speed, traffic, pedestrians, and varying road and trail conditions. E-bikes check every one of those boxes.

Battery-assisted e-bikes are faster than traditional bikes, which means a greater chance of serious injury, or death, in accidents. E-bikes can reach 28 mph, more than double the average 12 mph cycling speed of a novice cyclist.

Increased danger from greater e-bike speeds, coupled with a growing number of e-bike teen riders ignorant of the rules of the road, could prove to be a tragic combination.

PCPB LETTER

Problems associated with e-bikes have prompted Fred Kosmo, chair of the Peninsula Community Planning Board, to draft a letter to City and school officials prompting them to take action to enact e-bike safety regulations.

“We are writing to bring to your attention an issue of growing concern within our community, which is the safe and responsible use of e-bikes on San Diego’s roads and pathways,” said Kosmo in PCPB’s letter. “We believe individuals under 12 years of age should be banned from operating electric bicycles of any class, a crucial step in ensuring the safety of our youngest riders. We recognize the need for the City of San Diego and San Diego Unified School District to establish an e-bike license program, including an online written test and state-issued photo identification for individuals without a valid driver’s license, promoting responsible e-bike usage. Additionally, the establishment of a stakeholder’s working group, composed of various relevant parties, is a commendable approach to collaboratively develop recommendations for an e-bike training program and license.”

School district policy – “We do not have a district policy for e-bikes,” said Maureen Magee, spokesperson for San Diego Unified School District, the second-largest school district in the state which includes Peninsula public schools.

Concerned parents – Mandy Havlik, chair of PCPB’s Traffic and Transportation Committee who is a mother of two young children, is concerned about the increasingly unsafe use of e-bikes in Point Loma.

“I have encounters every day where I observe young teenagers exhibit reckless and dangerous driving behavior on e-bikes,” she said. “These occurrences increase when school is in session, especially during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times, and after school. Safety regulations are very much needed to ensure responsible and safe use of these bikes.”

Havlik recommended implementing e-bike education/ bike safety training requirements for students and parents; requiring e-bike registration/licensing by adding reflective plates/stickers to bikes with a visible license number; making helmets mandatory; prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks; forbidding racing or intentional contact between e-bike riders; having a point of contact for reporting bad behavior; and offering bike safety education and training annually at schools.

Legislative action – State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath, whose 77th District includes the Peninsula, has authored AB 530 to require a license for e-bike riders without an active driver’s license following a recent string of tragedies involving traffic safety.

AB 530 would:

• Require an online written test and a state-issued photo identification for those without a valid driver’s license.
• Prohibit persons under 12 years old from riding e-bikes.
• Create a stakeholder’s working group that includes the DMV, California Highway Patrol, the Transportation Agency, bike groups, and more to establish an e-bike training program and license, including more specifics on the classes and types of e-bikes.

“As a mother and a legislator, I believe that we must act to prevent our youth from injuries and educate parents on the promise and responsibility of e-bikes, and AB 530 is another step to increase their safety while sharing the road,” Boerner Horvath said on her website. “Not every parent is a bike rider that can ensure our youth receive proper training. This takes a real commitment from our communities and our state. It will be a long process, and AB 530 is a critical starting point that we’ll continue to work to develop through meetings with stakeholders.”

THE THREE CLASSES OF E-BIKES:

• Class 1: A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.
• Class 2: A bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.
• Class 3: A bicycle equipped with a motor that can outperform a traditional bicycle providing assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph.

DANGERS

Battery issues – Lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, if not used correctly or if damaged, can overheat, catch fire, and burn extremely hot giving off toxic gases – or even explode. For e-bike battery safety, San Diego Fire-Rescue recommends:

– Reading the manufacturer’s instructions to familiarize yourself with the particular product and battery that comes with it.

– Never add batteries to your e-bike to add more power or speed or longer battery life.

– Not charging e-bikes overnight where they can’t be monitored, as their batteries need to stay between 32 and 105 degrees to operate safely. If the battery is overcharged or paired with a device or charger that it isn’t designed for, that can cause a fire.

Safety knowledge – E-bikes today are increasingly being purchased online before being self-assembled by buyers, often with insufficient knowledge. The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition recommends:

– “Kick the tires” of a bike you’re interested in a bike shop before ordering online. Beware of purchasing foreign factory-direct bikes which may have lower-quality standards.

– Never buy an e-bike without riding it first. Visit your local bike shop and find a bike just right for you.

– Require anyone without a driver’s license to get a bicycling safety certificate so they can know the rules of the road.

– Require parents to ensure their children get properly educated on e-bike safety, as children without a driver’s license who have not undergone bicycling safety certification are riding unsafely.