SRCC ELECTRIC BICYCLE POLICY

The Santa Rosa Cycling Club (the Club) supports and allows the use of electric bicycles that are pedal-assisted, Class 1 or Class 3 ebikes, which meet the specifications provided below and are consistent with California and Federal Law.

Class 1 and Class 3 ebikes, which are pedal assisted ebikes (i.e., ebikes that can only be operated by being pedaled by the rider with pedaling assisted by a small electric motor), are permitted to be ridden on Club rides. Riders of Class 1 and Class 3 ebikes must follow the rules established for ebikes within the California Vehicle Code. (See CVC 312.5 and CVC Article 4 (commencing with Section 21200) of Chapter 1 of Division 11.) This includes following the rules of the road that apply to standard bicycles and ebikes.

On any Club ride, ebike riders shall adhere to riding guidelines and practices set forth under Rider Responsibilities in the Riding with SRCC section on the SRCC website. See official policy HERE.

FAQ

What are the classes of ebikes?

California Vehicle Code (CVC) 312.5 section defines ebikes as follows:

 (a) An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

(1) A “class 1 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

(2) A “class 2 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

(3) A “class 3 electric bicycle,” or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and equipped with a speedometer.

How do I know the class of an ebike?

The CVC requires ebikes to have “a label that is permanently affixed, in a prominent location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle.”

Are ebikes covered by our club insurance?

The classes of ebikes that are allowed in the SRCC ebike policy are covered by our insurance.

Why has SRCC developed an ebike policy?

Ebikes were only recently made legal in California (under AB 1096) and are becoming more popular, especially as the technology improves. The Board of Directors recognizes that some club members would benefit from the assist that Class 1 and Class 3 ebikes provide and agree that ebikes that are pedal assist are appropriate for use on club rides.