E-bikes have become increasingly common among Burlingame students, and with the rise in e-bike use among youth comes growing concerns over safety due to accidents and injuries. To address this, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is developing an e-bike safety ordinance, which members say they hope to release within the next few months.
According to San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, the draft ordinance mostly reinforces existing state laws. The proposal includes restricting riding on sidewalks, fines for unsafe behavior with a diversion program for first-time offenders, and stricter punishments for repeated offenders, including possible vehicle confiscation. It also introduces progressive fines: $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for a third.
“What we’re trying to do is create a program that we can educate youth on the risks and also create a situation where both they and their parents are learning exactly what the law is and what the risks are if it’s broken,” Mueller said.
According to medical professionals, the risks of accidents are higher for young riders. Pediatrician Dave Wanderman, who practices in Burlingame and is a parent, said younger teens may lack the decision-making skills needed to navigate roads safely.
“As you get older, your executive function allows you to make better choices and pay more attention to what’s going on around you, which is why you don’t get your license till you’re 16-17,” Wanderman said. “With e-bikes, we’re seeing younger kids who don’t have the understanding of traffic and road laws.”
Despite the risks, Wanderman said he recognizes the benefits of e-bikes when used responsibly.
“As my kids get older, I would consider an e-bike if they did a proper safety class,” Wanderman said. “There’s an upside to it. It gives you lots of freedom to get around and see your friends, but you want to make sure you’re doing it safely.”
Freshman Lucas Zhou said owning an e-bike provides that sense of independence.
“I mostly wanted it to get around and be able to do stuff without my mom driving me everywhere,” Zhou said.
Zhou noted that responsible riders are often unfairly grouped with those using illegal electric motorcycles, or “e-motos.” According to Danville Safety Advocates, e-motos are higher-powered electric vehicles that can exceed 750 watts and surpass typical e-bike speed limits, meaning they are legally classified as motor vehicles and must be registered at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Supervisor Mueller said the ordinance will restrict e-motos while enforcing safe behavior on e-bikes.
“We’re not restricting students from using e-bikes, we’re restricting students from using e-motos. So that’s modifying those bikes so they go past a certain speed, and it’s already illegal to do that.” Mueller said. “At the county level, we’re putting in new accountability measures to hold people responsible to state law.”
Despite concerns, Zhou said he believes e-bikes can be used safely.
“They’re a really good thing for everyone,” Zhou said. “It’s just some kids who do some reckless stuff and ruin it for everyone else.”
