Sarah Atkinson - State Farm Insurance Agent

Who wants to shoot some hoops??

Distracted driving happens in everyday moments. Texting, adjusting your GPS or choosing a song can lead to danger on the road. Please keep your eyes up and your phone down when you’re behind the wheel. Here are more safe driving tips.

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California Attorney General Rob Bonta and local prosecutors urged parents to check their children's e-bikes, saying some of ...

California AG warns mopeds being illegally sold as e-bikes, issues alert to parents California Attorney General Rob Bonta and local prosecutors urged parents to check their children's e-bikes, saying some of the vehicles may be motorcycles or mopeds capable of high speeds.

Good E-bike info from SBPD:

So California just tightened the rules on E bikes.

New California laws are now in effect to address these concerns. Here is what you need to know...

-Legal definition matters
Electric bicycles must meet state classifications, including limits on motor power and speed generally up to 20 miles per hour or 28 miles per hour depending on class. Devices that exceed these limits may no longer qualify as e bikes and can be treated as motor vehicles under the law

-State certified equipment now required
Beginning in 2026, e bikes, batteries, and related components must meet laboratory tested safety standards and labeling requirements. Non compliant devices cannot be legally sold or distributed

-Rear red light or reflector required at all times
All e bikes must now have a rear red reflector or a solid or flashing red light visible during all hours of operation not just at night

-Helmet enforcement for minors
Riders under 18 are required to wear helmets. Under the new law minors cited for violations may complete a California Highway Patrol approved safety course in lieu of penalties

-Crackdown on modified or misrepresented bikes
State law targets devices that are modified to increase speed or marketed as e bikes but function as higher powered electric motorcycles. These may be subject to enforcement including impound

-Bottom line
E bikes are legal only when they meet California’s definition and safety requirements. If a device exceeds those limits it may be treated as a motor vehicle and enforced accordingly

What we are seeing is that enforcement is often the final step after several preventable decisions. I'll name at least four...

The purchase...

This starts with you, the parent or guardian. If you're purchasing an illegally manufactured e bike or what is actually a motor driven cycle for your child, that decision carries legal and safety consequences. Knowing the law before you buy is your responsibility.

The modification...

If a bike is being altered after purchase to increase speed or performance, that changes how it is classified under the law. If you're aware of those modifications and allow them to continue, the responsibility does not shift to us later. Know the laws and understand the consequences.

Responsible riding...

If your child is riding in violation of traffic laws or e bike regulations, it's ok to be upset with us for stopping your child. But believe it or not, we probably saved his or her life that day.

Preventable outcomes...

If a child is operating an illegal e bike or motor driven cycle and it's impounded, that outcome is the result of earlier decisions outlined above.

For us, the goal is not enforcement, but prevention.

Thank you-

Management