• Riding E-scooters and E-Bikes to/from Redwood

    We are seeing more and more students getting to and from school using an E-Scooter or an E-Bike.  For the safety of our students and in response to concerns that we have received from members of our community and staff, it is important that students and families are aware of the vehicle codes that have been written for E-Scooters and E-Bikes.

    Working in partnership with Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA), the vehicle codes that appear below will be monitored and enforced:

    1. Minors have to wear helmets (California Vehicle Code §21235(c))

    California Vehicle Code (CVC) §21235 was specifically written for E-scooters, which have an electric motor, a floorboard, and handlebars. One of the sections in it requires riders under 18 to use a bicycle helmet while on an E-scooter. That bike helmet has to fit properly. It also has to be fastened.

     Adults do not have to comply with this requirement. They can ride E-scooters without wearing a helmet.

    2. Maximum speed is 15 mph (CVC §22411)

    CVC §22411 is the state law that puts a speed limit on E-scooters. That speed limit is 15 miles per hour. Going over this speed limit can result in a traffic stop and a ticket. That ticket can cost up to $250.

    3. Use bke lanes (CVC §21229)

    CVC §21229 requires E-scooters to be ridden in bike lanes (a.k.a. bikeways, bike paths, or bicycle paths) whenever one is available.

    The traffic law refers to a “Class II bicycle lane.” This type of bicycle lane is on the right edge of a street and has a solid white line on each side. It usually has a bicycle symbol inside the white borders. It only facilitates one-way riding.

    The law only allows for 4 exceptions to riding in a Class II bike lane:

    • While passing another vehicle or pedestrian,
    • When completing a left-hand turn,
    • To avoid debris or other hazards in the bike lane, or
    • When turning right.

    4. No tandem rides, stay off the sidewalks, and have a valid license (CVC §21235)

    In addition to requiring E-scooter riders to wear a helmet, CVC §21235 forbids:

    • Riding with a passenger on the scooter (also known as a “tandem ride”)
    • Riding an E-scooter on the sidewalk,
    • Driving an E-scooter without having a valid driver’s license.

    CVC§21235 allows people to ride an E-scooter with a valid learner’s permit, in addition to a driver’s license.

    5. Crosswalk rules (CVC §275)

    CVC §275 defines a crosswalk. At street intersections that are approximately right angles, crosswalks are technically sidewalks under this definition.

    Under CVC §21235(g), it is a traffic violation to ride an E-scooter on a sidewalk. Therefore, it is also a violation to ride one in a crosswalk.

    6. E-scooters have to follow traffic rules like motor vehicles (CVC §21221)

    Students Expectations While Riding e-bikes To/From School: 

    • Per California Vehicle Code (CVC) §§312.5, 12804.9, 21113, & 2401, riders 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.
    • E-bikes and E-Scooters may be used as a means of transportation to school.
    • During the school day, E-Bikes and E-Scooters must be parked in designated parking on campus.
    • They may not be ridden to and from class or in the corridors or the paths on campus. 
    • They may be used during approved off-campus lunches. 

    Possible Consequences for Students Not Following Community Norms:

    1. Verbal warning
    2. Student conference and Document in synergy
    3. Contact Home
    4. In-person meeting with parents
    5. E-bike probation for x amount of days

    Additional Resources: