Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas), whose district includes the beachfront, has introduced AB 2234 to ensure the safety of e-bike riders and those who share the roads with them.

AB 2234 will require anyone over age 12 without a valid driver’s license to take an online e-bike safety training course and pass a written test to prove they understand traffic safety rules. Those without a valid driver’s license must have a state-issued ID to operate an e-bike. The bill will also prohibit children under the age of 12 from operating e-bikes.

“Owning and riding an e-bike is a big responsibility, and children and their parents must understand the liability they take on when they get on an e-bike that can go nearly 30 mph,” said Tasha Boerner. “As an avid cyclist and a mother, my goal is to ensure that California’s young riders are educated on the rules of the road to increase their safety and the safety of other road users.”

San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava of District 1 representing La Jolla and Pacific Beach, concurred with Boerner on the necessity for her e-bike bill.

“The popularity of e-bikes is growing across age groups and abilities, and it is paramount for policymakers to create methods for them to co-exist with pedestrians as a safe mobility option,” said LaCava. “In partnership with local organizations and leaders like Assemblymember Boerner, we can educate the public on responsible ridership and provide new opportunities for access and travel across San Diego.”

E-bikes are becoming an increasingly common environmentally-friendly mode of transportation for both recreation and commuting, especially for children and adults who do not drive. However, concerns about e-bike safety have been raised due to the maximum speed that they can attain, up to 28 mph for a class 3 e-bike.

Class 3 e-bikes are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to assist when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph and is equipped with a speedometer. Higher-powered e-bikes can outperform traditional bicycles.

Boerner pointed out in her bill that, while e-bike usage has increased, e-bike injuries have also become more common. With the increased number of e-bikes on the road, injuries have occurred more frequently and resulted in more serious injuries and even deaths. E-bike injuries have become more prevalent than traditional bicycle injuries, with children 13 years and under making up the majority of e-bike injuries requiring a hospital visit.

According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, there were 3,945 e-bike injuries between 2011 and 2020. The e-bike injuries increased over time during the study period with the 10-13 year old age group making up 44% of those injuries. Children under the age of 14 made up 72% of e-bike injuries over the study period.

Boerner represents the 77th Assembly District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Coronado, and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Downtown San Diego.