133 Mission Street Suite 100
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone (831) 429-3410 | Fax (831) 429-3439
Required E-Bike
Safety Training
We know the commute to and from school has changed. We want to help keep kids safe. Starting next school year, we are piloting Safety Training Classes required for all Middle School students to park an E-Bike on campus. There are two requirements for the registration sticker:​
The Course: ​​
Part 1: Classroom Lesson (30-45 min.)
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Ebike classes & California laws
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Battery care & safe charging
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Speed & throttle management
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Braking differences vs. regular bikes
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Helmet fit & visibility
Part 2: Skills Course on Blacktop (30-45 min.)
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Part 2: Skills Course on Blacktop (30–45 min)
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Controlled acceleration
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Emergency braking
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Handling heavier bikes
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Signaling & shoulder checks
Part 2: Supervised Group Ride (45 min.)
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Low stress neighborhood route
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Practicing real world riding
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Lane positioning & intersections
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Riding predictably with others
Dates: ​​
Branciforte
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May 13 - 1:45pm (Wed after school)
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June 1 - 12pm (first Monday of summer break)
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August 4 - 12pm (a no-class day)
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August 12 (first Wed after school starts - last opportunity before deadline)
Mission Hill
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August 6 & 7 - part of Maverick Essentials rotation on the first two days of school - available to all students
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August 12 - 1:30 pm, make up day
About the Program
With the booming popularity of E-Bikes in our community, Santa Cruz City Schools is very happy to be partnering with the City of Santa Cruz, Ecology Action, and the Santa Cruz Police Department to provide guidance and training to ensure our students know how to ride safely to school. The district-approved E-Bike Safety program for grades 6–8 provides a certificate and registration sticker and is led by certified cycling instructors through Ecology Action - Modo - Active Transportation for All.
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This program is designed to ensure that students understand all key aspects of safe e-bike use, including the rules of the road, proper riding etiquette, basic bike maintenance, and how to choose, fit, and wear a safe helmet. Additional safety topics will include how speed-assist systems work, how to safely navigate traffic and multi-use paths, and what California law requires of youth riders.
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With grant funding from partner agencies such as the City of Santa Cruz, Ecology Action, and the Santa Cruz Police Department we will provide periodic, hands-on trainings. These trainings will be required for middle school students who wish to park e-bikes on our campuses for the 2026-27 school year.
Our Partners:
E-Bike Safety Resources
Know your E-Bike Classes
Before your child rides an e-bike, make sure the bike is appropriate for their age and skill :
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Class 1: Pedal assist only, max speed 20 mph
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Class 2: Throttle assist, max speed 20 mph
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Class 3: Pedal assist only, max speed 28 mph, speedometer required
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Legal only for riders 16 years or older
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Helmets required for all riders
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***Important note: Because they are illegal for kids under 16 no students will be allowed to park class 3 bikes on our middle school campuses.
Bikes capable of exceeding 20 mph (throttle) or 28 mph (pedal assist) are not legal to ride on public streets in California. These bikes are not allowed on SCCS campuses and may be impounded by the Santa Cruz Police Department if a student is stopped.
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Do Not Allow E-Bike Modifications
Some students may attempt to increase speed by altering settings through a manufacturer’s app or using aftermarket kits. These modifications are extremely dangerous. Many e-bikes are not designed for higher speeds, and braking systems may not be adequate, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury.​