Clovis Unified police reminds parents, students about e-scooter and e-bike laws

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- With school back in session, law enforcement says now, more than ever, drivers need to be alert.

They're also reminding students on electric bikes and scooters about the rules of the road.

Over the course of the last few weeks, stories of electric bikes have been making headlines.

In Clovis, a teenager on an e-bike was severely injured after he collided with a truck.

He wasn't wearing a helmet and was rushed to the hospital.

About a week later in Biola, two 11-year-old girls on e-bikes pulled out in front of a van.

They also weren't wearing helmets, but thankfully only suffered minor injuries.

Now, as students are back in school, Clovis Unified School Resource Officer Phillip Lucero says drivers and riders need to follow the law and take extra precautions.

"Have that conversation with your kids about just the general safety of riding a bicycle," Lucero said.

The law requires anyone riding an electric scooter to have a learner's permit or license.

If you're under 18, you must also wear a helmet.

For electric bikes, a license isn't required.

There are three classes of electric bikes.

Classes one and two can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

Riders under 18 must wear a helmet.

Class three e-bikes can reach speeds of 28 miles per hour.

On those, regardless of your age, a helmet must be worn.

"As you're riding a bicycle or an electric scooter, you've got to ride defensively," Lucero said.

He says riders should watch for car doors opening during school drop offs.

In Clovis, riders must be in the bike lane on the road, not the sidewalk.

Lucero says it's for pedestrian safety and because the majority of the accidents they see with e-scooters and e-bikes happen as vehicles are pulling out of driveways or parking lots.

"If they see a car coming or see a car pulling out of a parking lot, remind them to slow down, make eye contact with that driver and don't proceed until it's safe to do so," Lucero said.

To prevent theft, Lucero reminds riders to wrap their locks around the bike rack and the frame of the bike, not the tire.

He says parents should speak with their children and make sure they understand the rules of the road.

"If you're going to ride any type of bike, electric bike, electric scooter, please wear a helmet," Lucero said.

The district police department does provide an e-bike presentation with all pertinent information.

Parents can request a time to see it by calling 559-327-9221.

For news updates, follow Jessica Harrington on Facebook, X and Instagram.