AB 1569: Electric Bicycles (E-Bike) Training
Assemblymember Laurie Davies
IN BRIEF
AB 1569 would require each school that allows pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12 to park an electric bicycle on campus to ensure those pupils complete the electric bicycle safety and training program developed by the Department of the California Highway Patrol or a related safety course. The bill would also require a pupil to submit proof of completion of the above-described course to their school before parking their class bicycle on the school campus.
THE ISSUE
Since their introduction to the market, electric bikes (e-bikes) have provided countless Californians new freedoms and means of transportation around cities and towns. In addition to their accessibility, these products have also proven to be environmentally friendly and cheaper alternatives to diesel-powered cars.
Unfortunately, while these products have made traveling relatively easy, they have also been shown to be dangerous for those untrained or unprepared on how to operate them. In 2023, a study published in Surgery Open Science found that “children aged 10 to 13 make up nearly 44% of all e-bike injuries, highlighting the vulnerability of middle-school-aged riders.”
In 2022, to help combat this issue and increase awareness for school-aged riders, the Legislature passed AB 2028 (Davies), giving schools the option to include trainings provided by law enforcement to students. While that law has been effective, as more and more of these devices become the new mode of transportation for many students, further action is needed to protect riders and fellow motorists.
Schools are high-traffic environments. Requiring training ensures that student riders follow “dismount zones” and pedestrian-first protocols, protecting non-riding students and staff.
By mandating safety education, California can encourage the environmental benefits of micromobility while ensuring that e-bikes remain a solution for school commutes rather than a public health liability.
CURRENT LAW
Existing law authorizes the governing board of any school district having jurisdiction over elementary, intermediate, junior high, or high school to provide time and facilities to a local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the school of the district for bicycle, scooter, electric bicycle, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter safety instruction. (California Education Code 51860).
THE SOLUTION
The proposed bill would require schools to implement requirements that every student take an e-bike safety course before parking their bikes on campus during school hours.