Los Altos City Council passed a new ordinance creating restrictions not just for e-bikes in downtown Los Altos, but also for regulated mobility devices like e-scooters AND non-motorized bicycles throughout the entire City of Los Altos. Since many of our community members are not aware of the wider scope of this new ordinance, here are the key elements of which everyone should be aware of:

• Riding a bicycle, e-bicycle, e-scooter, e-skateboard, or other regulated mobility device on sidewalks and pedestrian paths in Los Altos is prohibited.

  • Note: An exemption to the sidewalk ban is allowed in circumstances when riding in the street would be unsafe. In this case, bikes must be single file. Additionally, children under 12 may ride on sidewalks, except in front of schools and businesses, as long as they ride safely and yield to pedestrians.

• No more than two riders can travel side by side on a roadway.

• Only one rider per e-bike or e-scooter, unless it’s designed to carry more.

• No tricks, acrobatics, or stunts.

• A helmet is required for anyone under 17.

  • Note: This law already exists under CA state law, but Los Altos overrode the state fine of $25, imposing an escalating penalty of $50-$100.

Disabled persons as well as public employees and law enforcement personnel engaged in official duties are exempt from the rules.

The first violation penalty is $50, second is $75, and third is $100.

In addition, any store in Los Altos that sells, rents, or services bicycles and electric mobility devices must provide safety information to the user with applicable state and local laws.

E-bike riders should be aware of the laws governing their use. California’s e-bike laws are less restrictive than laws governing other motorized vehicles. Unfortunately, many e-bikes in Los Altos appear to be modified and do not comply with state and local laws. Parents should be aware that there are easy hacks to bypass the speed limiter, essentially turning an e-bike into a moped.

If you or your child rides an e-bike, moped, or motorized scooter, please take the time to read about the state law (see “Quick Facts” below) and see what is required in California.

Lastly, we encourage you to review the new Los Altos ordinance and e-bike laws with your family and friends. As we move into fall and the days become shorter, now is a great time to check your lights, reflectors, and other gear that make walking and riding safer in Los Altos.

E-Bike - a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. There are three types:

• Type 1 - bikes with a top assisted speed of 20 mph which must be pedaled to operate.

• Type 2 - bikes with a top assisted speed of 20 mph that can be operated without pedaling by using a handlebar-mounted throttle.

• Type 3 - bikes with a top assisted speed of 28 mph that must be pedaled to operate.

The operator of a Class 3 electric Bicycle:

• Must be 16 years old or older.

• Must wear a bicycle safety helmet.

• Must not transport passengers.

• May ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by local authority or ordinance.

All electric bicycle classes are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, DL, and license plate requirements (CVC §24016).

Mopeds - has 2-3 wheels and an electric motor with an automatic transmission that produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower. They are subject to stricter requirements such as:

• Driver must carry a M1 or M2 motorcycle license.

• Driver must be at least 16 years old.

• Driver must wear a helmet.

• Mopeds must be registered with the DMV and require special license plates.

• Insurance is not required.

Motorized Scooters - has 2 wheels, a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard that you can stand on while riding. They also have special requirements including:

• You can only drive motorized scooters on a bicycle path, trail, or bikeway, not on a sidewalk, and you cannot exceed a speed of 15 mph.

• You do not need to register motorized scooters.

• A license is required for driving a motorized scooter; any class of driver’s license will fulfill the requirement.