Learn all about E-Bikes at Holbrook Palmer Park on June 1

On Sunday, June 1, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, join the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition’s certified League Cycling Instructors for a free, family-friendly Introduction to E-Bikes class, designed for adults and children ages 10+ who want to better understand the risks and rewards of e-bikes. The event takes place at the Jennings Pavilion at Holbrook Palmer Park (150 Watkins Ave., Atherton).

What you will learn:

• The three classes of e-bikes and what makes them different
• How to choose good e-bikes and keep them safe
• Current laws and regulations around e-bike use
• How to navigate streets and roads safely on e-bikes

If you want hands-on practice with instructors and to apply what you learn in the first hour, register for the 2-hour ticket! Note: the capacity is very limited for the 2nd hour. You will need to bring your own e-bike(s). Sign up online.

In the second hour, you will practice essential handling skills and become more comfortable with the different levels of pedal-assistance.

Thanks to funding from Measures A & W by the TA, C/CAG, and Commute.org as well as the venue and refreshments provided by City of Atherton’s Department of Police, this class is available to the public for free.

Here’s more information about e-bikes that was included in a recent Hillview Middle School newsletter:

The California vehicle code defines e-bikes as: “[A] bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.” It further breaks e-bikes into three categories, following a classification system created by PeopleForBikes that has been adopted in 40 states.

Class 1: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.

Class 2: Operates via pedal-assist or throttle and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph.

Class 3: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph.

There are no age restrictions on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Riders must be at least 16 to operate a Class 3 e-bike, and all Class 3 riders must wear helmets. All riders under 18 must wear a helmet on any type of bike, motorized or not. Bikers are responsible for their safety on the streets. They should not ride with others on the back or front of the bike and must obey all stop signs. They must also ride at a speed which allows for safe operation of the e-bike.