California Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner has proposed a new bill aimed at enhancing safety and providing structure for inexperienced or unlicensed electric bike riders in the state. This legislation follows a surge in the number of young e-bike users, many of whom are teenagers relying on electric bicycles for transportation to school or social gatherings.
The bill would prohibit children under 12 years old from operating electric bikes. Riders aged 12 and above, but without a car driver’s license, would need to complete an online course, pass a written test, and obtain a state ID to legally ride electric bicycles.
During a press conference at Earl Warren Middle School, Congresswoman Boerner emphasized the importance of educating young riders on traffic rules and road safety when operating electric bicycles alongside cars and pedestrians. E-bikes are popular among school-aged children for their sense of freedom and independence, but Boerner is advocating for responsible use of these vehicles.
The growing number of young riders, particularly those disregarding traffic laws, has led to safety concerns in many California towns. Although the concept of an electric bicycle license has been previously suggested in California, it did not progress beyond the assembly last year.
The idea of an electric bicycle license is not unprecedented in the Western world, as some countries have already established special training programs for e-bike riders who have not yet obtained or are not interested in acquiring a car driver’s license.
