A variety of e-bikes are shown parked at a bike rack. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted for students, while Class 3 e-bikes may only be operated by riders ages 16 or older. (Courtesy photo)
Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted for students, while Class 3 e-bikes may only be operated by riders ages 16 or older. (Courtesy photo)

Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) is expanding e-bike safety efforts for the 2026-27 school year, helping students build safe riding habits for the broader community.

This year, all SBUSD junior high schools, along with Dos Pueblos, San Marcos, Alta Vista, and La Cuesta high schools, are implementing an e-bike safety education, registration, and permitting program.

La Colina Junior High and Adams Elementary began the program last year.

Santa Barbara High School will educate students and families about California e-bike regulations and campus safety rules and expectations, but will not require permits, district officials said.

Other elementary schools will implement e-bike safety measures based on individual campus needs.

“E-bikes have become an important way for many of our students to get to school and around our community,” said Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. “We have an opportunity to be proactive and help students develop the knowledge and habits to be safe, responsible riders.”

At schools implementing the full program, students who bring an e-bike to campus must complete safety education with a parent or guardian, register their e-bike, and receive a permit.

The program reinforces several key safety expectations:
• Wear a properly fitted helmet when riding to and from school.
• Ride without passengers and keep both wheels on the ground.
• Walk e-bikes on campus unless a designated riding route is provided.
• Follow designated campus entry, exit, and parking requirements.
• Ride an e-bike that is legal for the student’s age under California law.

“We want students to understand that safe riding doesn’t begin or end at the school gate,” Maldonado said. “By working with students and families, we can help make our entire community safer.”

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted for students, while Class 3 e-bikes may only be operated by riders ages 16 or older.

Electric motorcycles, dirt bikes and modified devices that do not meet California’s legal definition of an e-bike are not permitted on district property