In June of 2024, Orange County regulators on the Board of Supervisors passed new measures to control the safe use of California electric bikes. The goal is to ensure all riders are well protected in any unincorporated areas of Orange County and the numerous park bike paths and roadways managed by county officials.
These new regulations may not necessarily apply to local towns or municipalities with their own rules, but where most county regulations apply, towns are quick to adapt. Seeing how we have many customers of our premium Freedare Saiga All-Terrain and Freedare Eden Step-Thru fat tire eBikes, we want to stay up to date on these regulations so you’re well informed.
The basic changes to the current guidelines and regulations concerning California electric bike use apply to each of the different eBike classes. Those are based on the speeds they can reach, with or without pedaling assistance.
Class 3 eBikes (up to 28 mph with pedal assistance) now require anyone over the age of 16 years to wear a helmet. Anyone under 16 cannot ride on Class 3 eBikes anymore. They can only use Class 1 eBikes (pedal assistance up to 20mph) and Class 2 eBikes (self-propelling up to 20mph).
In other words, if you’re renting eBikes on your trip to the county outside of Disneyland, you’ll have to adjust your reservation for any kiddos under 16 in the family.
Another change is that anyone under the age of 18 must wear helmets on bike paths, roads, and trails controlled by the counties. If you’re on a California electric bike trail, you no longer have the right of way. You must yield to any pedestrians and equestrians on sidewalks.
If you’re going on a long trip on the county highways, you cannot go faster than 28 mph, and you must ride two abreast or less on all roads, lanes, and sidewalks. And, unless you have a rare tandem California electric bike, you’ll need to each be on your own device and not with someone on the handlebars or back rack.
Again, these new California electric bike regulations only apply to Orange County. This area has seen a massive spike in demand and use of eBikes and wants to ensure there is no danger to the riders or the people around the rider’s pathway. So many residents are seeking easier ways to commute to work or lower their carbon emissions, and you can easily see a large contingent of eBikes everywhere around the county.
In addition, there were some complaints about groups of teen riders packing together through parks and trials. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of 15 teenage eBike riders when you have a dog on a leash or are enjoying a nearby campsite. Injuries and ranger enforcement are quickly around the corner in these situations.
That about covers all the updates we’ve heard about in Orange County. If you’re in the market for an incredible California electric bike perfect for riding in the parks, up mountain trails, or cutting your urban commute way down, pick up our Freedare Saiga All-Terrain Fat Tire eBike.
Reaching speeds up to 28 mph and offering a 750W BAFANG motor, you’ll be able to travel up to 90 miles around your area, making trips to the grocery store, gym, and work so much easier. Do your part for the environment and purchase our Freedare Saiga today!
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