Request for Danville "E-Moto" Proclamation

On June 3, 2025, Danville Safety Advocates sent the following email to the Town of Danville Administrative Assistant, Kristine Meidberg: cc; Mayor Renee Morgan and City Clerk Marie Sunseri, 

Hi Kristine,

Attached for your review is a Word document formally requesting that the Town of Danville issue a proclamation encouraging parents not to allow children under the age of 16 to operate Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“E-Motos”).

We have also included a PDF with supporting links and references to help inform the proclamation. Additional resources and background materials can be found at www.BikeDanville.org by opening all the “E-Moto” tabs.

Please let us know if any additional information is required.

Best regards,
Danville Safety Advocates Leadership Team: Alan Kalin, Jeff Eorio, Todd Gary, Bruce Bilodeau, John Dowey, Kyle Smith, and Nicola Place

TOWN OF DANVILLE
PROCLAMATION

ENCOURAGING PARENTS TO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SIXTEEN (16) TO OPERATE CLASS 2 THROTTLE-ASSISTED ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES (“E-MOTOS”)

WHEREAS, the Town of Danville is committed to the safety and well-being of all residents, especially our children, and prioritizes efforts to reduce transportation-related injuries on our roads, sidewalks, and trails; and

WHEREAS, Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles commonly referred to as “e-motos” have rapidly grown in popularity among youth. Brands such as Super 73 are marketed as Class 2 e-bikes, while others - including Ariel Rider, Ridstar, Lyric, Onyz, P-51 bear no regulatory classification yet are similarly marketed as e-bikes despite exceeding lawful performance limits; and

WHEREAS, many of these (“e-motos”) have motors larger than 750 watts and are capable of traveling well beyond 20mph without pedaling rendering them non-compliant with California Vehicle Code regulations for Class 2 e-bikes. As such, these vehicles require DMV registrations, proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license and appropriate safety equipment such as lights and turn signals to be street legal; and

WHEREAS, the marketing and classification of these Class 2 (“e-motos”) have created significant confusion among parents, making it unclear which products are legal, safe, or appropriate for children; and

WHEREAS, children under the age of 16 frequently lack the experience, physical maturity, and legal authority to safely operate high-powered Class 2 (“e-motos”), which can weigh up to 100 pounds and reach speeds exceeding 35 mph, introducing significant risks to both the rider and the community; and

WHEREAS, regional health data, show an alarming rise in serious e-bike-related injuries among youth ages 10 to 15, with collision rates for this age group five times higher than any other demographic - often resulting in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and long-term consequences; and

WHEREAS, several Bay Area jurisdictions, and communities throughout California have adopted ordinances to prohibit the use of Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) by children under 16 in response to growing public safety concerns; and

WHEREAS, numerous Danville residents have publicly expressed concern and demanded action through online forums and community discussions regarding the dangers posed by underage riders operating Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) in pedestrian-heavy areas such as sidewalks, neighborhood streets, and multi-use trails such as the Iron Horse Trail; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Danville recognizes the value of sustainable and active modes of transportation but also acknowledges the urgent responsibility to address the unsafe and unlawful operation of Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) by children; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Danville Town Council strongly encourages parents to not allow children under the age of sixteen (16) to operate Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (e-motos).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this (date), 2025