To: Mayor Renee Morgan, Vice Mayor Newell Arnerich, and Council Members Karen Stepper, Robert Storer, and Mark Belotz,

We, the undersigned, respectfully ask that the Danville Town Council take a leadership role by issuing the proclamation below that: strongly encourages parents to not allow children under the age of sixteen (16) to operate Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles (e-motos). 

Over the past five years, the use and variety of Class 2 e-bikes (bikes operated by both pedal-assist and throttles) has increased significantly in Danville, California. While these bikes can be a practical alternative to car trips and support more sustainable transportation, they also introduce serious safety risks when used by untrained or underage riders.

According to findings from the Marin County Civil Grand Jury, children under 16 riding Class 2 e-bikes pose a danger not only to themselves but also to others on roads, sidewalks, and trails. These young riders often lack knowledge of traffic laws and do not fully understand the consequences of unsafe behavior at high speeds.

Compounding the issue is the fact that many Class 2 e-bikes, including popular models sold at retailers like Costco and Best Buy, can be easily modified by children to exceed the legal 20 mph speed limit, transforming them into illegal e-motorcycles (e-motos). In Danville, these modified e-motos have been clocked at speeds over 35 mph. Alarmingly, many parents are unaware that it is illegal for children under 16 to operate these high-powered vehicles.  Even worse, no one, including the police, can tell just by looking at them that they have been modified.  

The urgency of this issue is evident in local social media. A quick look at posts on Nextdoor reveals that Danville residents are being injured by e-motos driven by under-age youth.  Many residents are not only aware of the problem but are also calling for someone to take action. Marin County towns have already adopted ordinances prohibiting children under 16 from operating Class 2 e-bikes. Danville should support, if not mirror, this effort. Please do not wait for a tragedy to spur change. 

We can and should do more to ensure our roads and trails are safe for everyone while still promoting responsible bicycle use. Danville has an opportunity to lead on this issue—please act before it is too late.

Sign this petition and help us protect our children before more lives are changed forever.

Petition Created by: Danville Safety Advocates
Learn More: www.BikeDanville.org

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