Yolo County General E-Bike Safety Information

E-bikes (electric bicycles) are a healthy and sustainable alternative transportation option for both commuting and recreation. As the number of e-bike riders grows in Yolo County, understanding safe riding practices becomes increasingly important. While e-bikes may feel similar to traditional bicycles, they are heavier, can accelerate more quickly, and require additional awareness when riding, braking, and maneuvering. Riders should take time to get familiar with their e-bike before riding in traffic or around others. Learn your local e-bike regulations and explore available online and hands-on training resources to build a safer e-bike community in Yolo County.

Policy and Regulations

California State Regulations (Applicable Countywide):

	Class 1 E-bike	Class 2 E-bike	Class 3 E-bike
Minimum age of rider	N/A	N/A	16 years old
Driver’s license/permit requirement	No	No	No
Allowed pathways*	All bike lanes and bike pathways	All bike lanes and bike pathways	All bike lanes and bike pathways
Helmet requirement	Under 18 years old	Under 18 years old	All riders

*Local jurisdictions may impose more stringent requirements regarding allowed pathways than what is allowed under State Law. Please check your local ordinances for your city or county’s local regulations regarding E-bike usage and follow all posted signs.

As of 2017, all California e-bike manufacturers and distributors must permanently affix a label on the e-bike that includes the e-bike class number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. If the label is missing on your e-bike, please visit your local bike store to confirm the e-bike’s classification.
eMotos fall outside the three California’s e-bike classifications (CA Vehicle Code 312.5) and are not allowed on any bike paths in Yolo County.
In 2022 AB 1909 amended CA Vehicle Code 21207.5 to allow class 3 e-bikes on bike paths, bike trails, bikeways, and bike lanes.

Jurisdiction Specific Resources

Jurisdictions across California may have their own e-bike regulations, including rules for where certain classes of e-bikes are allowed to operate. Because these policies can vary, it’s important to review your local jurisdiction’s guidance before riding. Refer to the resources listed below for area-specific regulations, safety information and e-bike program details.

Countywide

County bike map: Created by the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District, this bike map includes cities of Woodland, Davis, Winters and the bike trails connecting these jurisdictions.

Yolo Active Transportation Corridors Plan (YATC): Overseen by the Yolo Transportation District (YoloTD), YATC is a long-range planning and community engagement effort to create a countywide network of multi-use trails that improves mobility and expands transportation access for underserved and disadvantaged communities across Yolo County.

City of Davis

City of Davis Transportation Webpage: This page includes information and links to the City of Davis’s transportation plans, policies and procedures, maps, data and programs.

City of Davis e-Bike/e-Scooter Policies: This table shows a summary of California’s e-bike and e-Scooter policy.

City of Davis Active Transportation Map: This bike map shows the different types of bike lanes and paths in the City of Davis, as well as bike safety resources.

CIty of West Sacramento

City of West Sacramento

City of West Sacramento Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Master Plan (2024 update): This plan, made by the City of West Sacramento, includes a bike map of west Sacramento, the city’s bike infrastructure projects, as well as local resources. If you would like to follow and participate in the project, visit HERE for more information.

City of West Sacramento Bike Map: This bike map shows the location and type of bike lanes and paths in the City of West Sacramento.

City of Winters

City of Winters Bike Map: This bike map includes off street paths, recommended routes, and bike parking spots in the City of Winters.

As of January 2026, the Winters Joint Unified School District implemented the following expectations as part of their e-bike and e-scooter guidelines:

Students bringing e-bikes or e-scooters to school are required to register their devices with the school site.
The district verifies student eligibility and maintains records of registered devices.
Students are expected to follow all campus safety rules, including walking devices while on campus and using designated parking areas.
Additional restrictions may be applied based on safety considerations.

City of Woodland

City of Woodland Bike & Pedestrian Webpage: This page contains the link to the City of Woodland bike loop map, bike rack location map, and information on the City of Woodland active transportation plan.

City of Woodland bike map (2022) (2013): The City of Woodland 2022 bike map, created by the city in collaboration with the county, YSAQMD, Woodland Safe Routes to School, Bike Campaign, and the Bike Garage includes information on helmet and bike checks as well as bicycling tips and information.

University of California, Davis

UC Davis Traffic and Parking Code: UCD traffic and parking code for e-bikes and other vehicles on UC Davis campus. The maximum speed limit for all traffic on campus bicycle paths is 15 miles per hour.

UC Davis Bicycle Education, Advice, & Theft Prevention: This page offers guidance on biking in traffic, information on bike maintenance, locations to purchase a bike in the City of Davis, and videos demonstrating safe biking practices.

In-Person e-Bike/Bike Events

Online e-Bike Safety Resources

Resource Name	Description	Organization	Resource Type	Training Duration	Cost
e-Bike Smart	A series of videos (6) and quizzes that cover the definition of e-bikes, maintenance, safety practices, and biking etiquette.	The League of American Bicyclists PeopleForBikes	Course	Estimated 30 minutes to complete.	Free
Electric Bicycle Safety and Training	An online course with in-depth materials on policy and e-bike safety practices with a certificate awarded upon passing the final quiz.	California Highway Patrol	Course	Estimated 1 hour to complete.	Free
PowerSavvy	A comprehensive online cycling skills course with safety trips and practices that are specific to e-bikes. The course offers cycling strategies, hazard awareness, and decision-making in different road conditions.	American Bicycling Education Association	Course	Estimated 2 hours to complete.	$45
SABA YouTube Channel	A series of quick, practical videos on choosing, riding, maintaining an e-bike, as well as tips on safety, local laws, and replacing car trips with biking.	Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates	Video	N/A	Free
Pedal Ahead: e-Bike Safety Basics Training	A video that highlights the essential information on e-bikes and key safety practices in one place.	California Air Resource Board	Video	11 minutes.	Free
Bike Safety	A youth focused bike safety resource that includes a bike helmet fit check available in 11 languages.	Safe Kids Sacramento	Website	N/A	Free
e-Bikes!	A Sacramento regional hub for local e-bike education resources and programs.	Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates	Website	N/A	Free