BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 A crash Wednesday involving an e-bike rider is raising new concerns about safety and a growing issue, experts say, that many riders and parents still don’t fully understand.<\/p>\n
The difference between a legal e-bike and an electric motorcycle.<\/p>\n
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, a man riding an e-bike on Brundage Lane was struck by a woman driving southbound on A Street. The rider later died from his injuries.<\/p>\n
As electric bikes continue to gain popularity across Bakersfield, safety advocates say confusion about what qualifies as a legal e-bike has become increasingly common.<\/p>\n
“What we see as a big issue right now is parents don’t really understand the difference between a Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bike, which can be ridden on public roads,” said Matt Clark.<\/p>\n
Under California law, e-bikes are divided into three categories. Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. <\/p>\n
Class 2 e-bikes include a throttle and are also limited to 20 miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes can provide pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour but come with additional helmet and age requirements.<\/p>\n
The distinction is important, Clark said, because many vehicles marketed as e-bikes do not actually meet California’s legal definition.<\/p>\n
“There’s confusion in the marketplace because they’re all marketed as e-bikes,” Clark said. “The key distinction is that if it can go faster than 28 miles per hour, it’s not legally considered an e-bike for use on public roads.”<\/p>\n
The concern comes as Bakersfield continues to see a significant number of bicycle-related crashes. <\/p>\n
According to Bakersfield police data, the city recorded 719 bicycle-involved collisions between January 2025 and January 2026. Of those crashes, 565 resulted in injuries, and 18 were fatal.<\/p>\n
To better understand how consumers can identify a legal e-bike, 17 News visited Snyder’s Cycle Ray, where employees say the answer is not always straightforward.<\/p>\n
“If the bike doesn’t have pedals, then more than likely it is an electric motorcycle,” said Olivia Sinder.<\/p>\n
However, Sinder says appearance alone can be misleading. <\/p>\n
Some electric vehicles are designed to look like dirt bikes while being marketed as e-bikes.<\/p>\n
She noted that California generally limits e-bikes to motors rated at 750 watts or less. <\/p>\n
Vehicles that exceed that threshold may fall into a different category and could be subject to additional regulations or registration requirements.<\/p>\n
Even with those guidelines, identifying a legal e-bike isn’t always easy.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes, looking at the bike, you don’t know,” Sinder said.<\/p>\n
Experts say part of the confusion stems from the rapid growth of the e-bike industry. <\/p>\n
Although California established its e-bike classification system in 2016, online marketplaces have made it easier for consumers to purchase vehicles that may not comply with state regulations.<\/p>\n
The issue has gained attention statewide following several high-profile crashes involving young riders and electric motorcycles being used on public streets.<\/p>\n
Clark said parents should take the time to understand exactly what type of vehicle they are purchasing for their children.<\/p>\n
“We’ve seen numerous instances where law enforcement is prosecuting parents for manslaughter,” Clark said. “You’re now seeing the same thing with e-bikes and electric motorcycles. <\/p>\n
In one case, a parent had been warned by law enforcement that the bike wasn’t meant for the streets.”<\/p>\n
Safety advocates say the best way to stay safe and avoid legal issues is to verify a vehicle’s classification before purchasing it, especially when buying online, where product descriptions and marketing materials may not always clearly explain whether a vehicle qualifies as a legal e-bike under California law.<\/p>\n
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