The City of Claremont is soliciting public input regarding the regulation of electric bicycles in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and on the Thompson Creek Trail. Feedback gathered will be used to shape future policies for these recreational areas.
WHAT IS AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE (E-BIKE)?
The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles defines an electric bicycle as "a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts." Three classes of electric bicycles have been established and are listed in the infographics below.
Under current State of California law, Class 1 & 2 e-bikes are permitted in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited.
WHAT DOES NOT QUALIFY AS AN E-BIKE?
The following vehicles are NOT considered e-bikes and are defined as motor vehicles per the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. Claremont Municipal Code 11.10.030 prohibits the operation of motor vehicles in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and Claremont Municipal Code 11.02.070 prohibits their operation on the Thompson Creek Trail.
- Motorcycles: A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and is designed to travel on not more than three wheels.
- Motor-Driven Cycles: A motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle with less than a 150 cc motor size.
- Motorized Scooters: A motorized scooter is defined as any two-wheeled “device” with a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard for standing on when riding.
- Moped: A motorized bicycle or moped is a two or three-wheeled device, capable of no more than 30 miles per hour (mph) on level ground, and equipped with:
- Fully operative pedals for human propulsion.
- A motor producing less than four gross brake horsepower and an automatic transmission.
- No pedals if powered solely by electrical energy.
CLASSES OF E-BIKES: