If you or your family members plan on giving e-vehicles (e-bikes, e-skateboards and e-scooters) to students this holiday season or if your students already have an e-vehicle, please take a moment to review the following safety reminders from the Irvine Police Department and click here to watch an e-bike safety video from the Irvine Police Department.
Students who ride e-vehicles to school must follow their school’s registration process. For more information, please contact your middle or high school administration office.
We’re in this together! Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe.
Safety Tips
- Make sure students know how to responsibly operate their e-vehicle.
- Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are categorized as Type 1, Type 2, which can both go up to 20 mph, and Type 3, which can go up to 28 mph and are only for cyclists 16 and older. (See the chart below for more information about types of e-bikes and other considerations.)
- Helmets are mandatory for cyclists under 18 and all cyclists on Type 3 e-bikes.
- All cyclists should wear helmets for their safety and to set a good example for everyone.
- If you are riding an e-bike, the rules of the road apply to you.
- Stop at red lights and stop signs, and ride in the same direction as vehicle traffic.
- Be cautious at intersections. Most collisions occur at intersections.
- Every cyclist should pay attention to the flow of traffic, especially cyclists on e-bikes. Drivers may not expect a cyclist to reach 20 mph on the road, which can lead to a potentially dangerous scenario.
- Riders should learn how the e-bike feels at lower speeds before going faster. You need to know how to brake earlier and assess the safest time to start slowing down.
- Drivers, please be mindful of cyclists.
- E-vehicle and bike riders, please be mindful of pedestrians and those walking pets. Use a bell to signal that you are near and will be passing them. Slow down and pass at safe speeds.
- Riders should wear a reflective vest at night to improve visibility.
- Use hand signals to communicate your next move.
- Watch for cars exiting a driveway.
Laws of the Road (CVC = California Vehicle Code)
- Ride with the flow of traffic (CVC 21650.1)
- Always wear a helmet that fits properly (CVC 21212)
- Obey stop signs (CVC 22450)
- Obey traffic signals (red lights) (CVC 21453)
- Passengers need a separate seat (CVC 21204)
- Use a bicycle light at night (CVC 21201)
Bicycle Safety
- Always stop and look both ways before entering the roadway.
- Make sure drivers see you by making eye contact with them.
- Make sure both of your feet can touch the ground when sitting on the bike seat.
- Check the brakes to make sure they work before every use.
- Tires must be properly inflated.
- Do not wear headphones; make sure you can hear traffic.
Did You Know?
- E-bikes are regulated at a state level.
- Type 3 e-bikes are not intended for bike paths like sidewalks.
- Bikes need a front white light and a rear red reflector.
Chart: E-Vehicle Type
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E-Bike Types