Let's be Safer Together, Carlsbad!

The City of Carlsbad uses the three Es of traffic safety -- education, engineering and enforcement -- to help ensure everyone uses local streets safely. Thanks to your support, it's working! Please continue to look out for one another, follow our safety tips and share your commitment publicly so others will do the same.

Safety classes

The Carlsbad Police Department hosts quarterly bike and e-bike safety classes. No classes are scheduled at this time, but you can sign up to get an email when new classes are scheduled.

Additionally, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition hosts a variety of bike safety classes and bike rodeos where participants get hands-on practice. View upcoming events.

E-bike rules

The City of Carlsbad was the first city in the region to pass local laws that make it easier to enforce the safe and considerate use of e-bikes, scooters and other similar ways of getting around town.

  • The changes allow police to issue citations, but also allow most first-time violators to avoid penalty if they agree to take a safety course put on by the Police Department.
  • Overall, bicyclists and e-bike riders are subject to all the same rules of the road as drivers.
  • Riders who don’t follow the rules are subject to ticketing and fines as defined by the California Vehicle Code or Carlsbad Municipal Code.

Learn about the changes to the Carlsbad Municipal Code.

Download and print a one-page overview.

E-bike chart with e-motorcycles

*E-motorcycles have different requirements than e-bikes. Riders need a license, vehicle registration and insurance, and must follow the same rules on the road as motorcycles. 

Rules for e-bikes and e-motorcycles

Post Date:08/19/2024 1:58 PM

With the rise in popularity of e-bikes and the new school year approaching, you might start to see even more e-bikes on the street. When we talk to people about e-bikes and traffic safety, we’re often asked about the difference between e-bikes and e-motorcycles. 

E-bikes can be a helpful way for people to get around on city roads (as long as riders are being safe and following the rules of the road).

E-motorcycles, like Sur-ron, Talaria, 79-Bike, Rawrr Mantis, and Stark, to name a few, have a different set of rules and requirements and are designed for off-highway use only. To operate these, a driver's license with motorcycle endorsement, California vehicle registration and insurance are required. 

Here's a quick guide to telling the difference between an e-bike and an e-motorcycle.

Design

  • E-bikes look similar to traditional bicycles, with an added electric motor, and have pedals.
  • E-motorcycles are built more like traditional motorcycles, and don’t usually have pedals. The frames and tires are usually larger than those on e-bikes.

Function

  • E-bikes can be pedaled manually, used with pedal-assist or powered by the throttle alone.
  • E-motorcycles are powered by the motor, not by pedaling.

Speed

  • Even the fastest e-bikes max out at 28 mph. (There are three classes of e-bikes that can reach different speeds. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can reach 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes can reach 28 mph. Class 3 e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old.)
  • E-motorcycles are capable of reaching speeds well above 60 mph.

While there are additional rules and requirements for e-motorcycles, there are also Carlsbad-specific e-bike rules all e-bike riders need to follow. And rest assured, the Carlsbad Police Department will continue to proactively enforce traffic laws to help keep everyone safe.

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