Ventura Police to Address E-Bike Safety and Laws in Second Public Workshop
The Ventura Police Department will host a free community workshop on Tuesday, October 22, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at City Hall, located at 501 Poli Street. This event is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to address the growing concerns about illegal electric bicycle use in Ventura.
“E-bike safety, reckless riding, and enforcement have become significant concerns in Ventura, and we are committed to addressing these issues head-on through education and enforcement,” said Chief Darin Schindler. “This workshop is an opportunity for residents to learn about safe and legal e-bike use and to engage directly with our officers. Our goal is to ensure the safety of all road users and foster a culture of responsible e-bike use in our community.”
Electric bikes with pedals propelled by human power and an electric motor are classified as class I, II, or III e-bikes. Vehicles without pedals, driven solely by an electric motor, are classified as electric motorcycles and must meet the same requirements as traditional motorcycles, including proper state licensing, registration, and insurance.
The workshop will cover e-bike classifications, regulations for electric motorcycles, and state and local laws. Key points include:
- E-bikes must have a class identification sticker permanently affixed to the device.
- Modifying an e-bike to increase speed, reckless riding, and fleeing law enforcement are illegal.
- Riders under 18 years old are required to wear a properly fitted and secured helmet at all times.
- All cyclists, including e-bike riders, must follow the rules of the road.
To address community concerns, the department is taking a proactive approach to education and previously hosted a workshop in July, distributed informational mailers to residents, participated in radio interviews, published an editorial in the Ventura County Star, attended Ventura Unified School District events, and increased social media messaging.
A video recording of the workshop will be posted to the City’s YouTube channel at YouTube.com/CityofVentura
