This article was originally published in the State of Our Children 360 newsletter, a publication from the Guilds Center for Community Health that shares some of the most pressing issues facing kids through the lens of those who are involved, impacted or providing care. Chief Mindy Casto leads the Fresno Police Department and is responsible for the safety of California’s fifth-largest city, with a population of over one million.
FRESNO, Calif. – Watching a child ride their first bike is a memorable experience for many. Most of us who rode bikes as kids know the basic “rules of the road” when it comes to bike safety and try to teach those same safety lessons to our children.
A troubling trend is emerging in communities nationwide: children as young as 8 are riding e-bikes. On sidewalks, streets, trails and in parks, many are traveling 20 to 30 miles per hour – or faster – with little training, limited awareness of the dangers and risks, and little understanding of the rules of the road.
It is my privilege to serve as Fresno’s police chief. In this role, I am privileged to witness heroic and selfless acts from officers and citizens alike in keeping our communities safe. And, unfortunately, I also witness moments of intense sadness and tragedy and, recently, many of those tragic moments have involved kids, e-bikes, serious injuries and sometimes death.
We can no longer look away.
There are rapidly growing dangers associated with e-bikes, mini motorcycles and other motorized two-wheelers in our communities. These devices can appear harmless – fun, efficient, popular among young people, and, in many cases, an easy “click” away to buy online – but the risks are far greater than many realize. And they are NOT “just like riding a bike.”
Recent tragedies in Fresno have placed this issue in painful focus for our community. Other communities across the Valley have similar experiences. And most do not end well.
California’s E Bike and Mini Bike Laws
California regulates electric bicycles through a three-class system designed to keep riders – and everyone around them – safe:
- Class 1: Pedal assist only (the motor works only when pedaling), maximum assisted speed up to 20 mph.
- Class 2: Throttle enabled (the bike can move without the rider pedaling), maximum assisted speed up to 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedal assist only; maximum assisted speed up to 28 mph; must have a speedometer; riders must be 16 or older and must wear a helmet; often restricted from certain trails and bike paths.
- Helmets are mandatory for all riders under 18, and all e bike riders must obey bicycle traffic rules.
- E bikes must also be capped at 750 watts. Recent legislative changes now require a rear red reflector or flashing light visible day and night and prohibit tampering with speed limiting devices.
Why These Machines Aren’t Toys
E bikes and mini motorcycles can accelerate quickly and travel at speeds comparable to motor vehicles. They require balance, judgment, maturity and traffic awareness that many young riders simply have not yet developed. Their small size and low profile also make it harder for drivers to see, especially at night.
The sheer speed of these e-bikes changes the nature of injuries if a child was to fall off or, even worse, be involved in a collision with another car, another cyclist or strike a pedestrian walking on a trail or the sidewalk. Falling off your bike that goes 10 mph is one thing. Falling off a motorized bike going 25 mph is quite another.
A Direct Appeal to Parents and Guardians
As a police chief, and as a mother, I am appealing to every parent, caregiver or guardian in our community. Take this issue seriously. Your vigilance and boundaries may save a life.
Before purchasing an e-bike for your kids and allowing a child to operate an e bike, please consider:
- Are they old enough – and mature enough – to follow traffic laws?
- Do they understand defensive riding and situational awareness?
- Do they always wear a helmet and required safety gear?
- Are they riding in safe, well-lit areas?
- Are you actively supervising their use?
- Are you providing instructions on how to ride them and what to do in case of an emergency?
Fresno Police Department’s Call to Action
Fresno and every community in this Valley is at a crossroads. The lives we have lost to e-bike accidents were not random misfortunes – they were preventable tragedies. We must take collective responsibility and make changes before more lives are lost.
I’m speaking as Fresno’s police chief, although I am sure every police chief in the Valley would share similar thoughts. So, I ask you to:
- Reinforce helmet use and protective equipment.
- Just like “distracted driving,” do not allow e-bike riders to use while on a cell phone or using ear buds.
- Ensure your child only uses devices appropriate for their age.
- Understand and follow California’s e-bike laws.
- Restrict night riding and high traffic routes.
- Treat every motorized two wheeler with the seriousness it deserves.
Honoring the young lives we have lost means taking meaningful steps to protect others. Let us work together — parents, schools, city leaders and law enforcement — to prevent future tragedies and safeguard our children. Their lives, and their futures, depend on it.
About the Author
Chief Mindy Casto is a dedicated law enforcement professional with nearly three decades of experience. She is committed to reducing violent crime, enhancing service levels, and strengthening professionalism in the Fresno Police Department. A proud Central Valley native, she exemplifies how a single ride-along gave way to a career that rose through the ranks of the Fresno PD. Now, Chief Casto is responsible for the safety of California’s fifth-largest city, with a population of over one million.
