As ebike popularity skyrockets among middle and high school students, many schools are adopting formal ebike policies to clarify rules and expectations for ebikes on school property and for students when ebiking to and from school.
This free, editable template is an example of what a district’s policy might look like.
Your state’s bicycle, electric bicycle, motor vehicle, and helmet laws may determine some aspects of your policy, so please refer to your state and local laws and then customize your policy accordingly.
ELECTRIC BIKE POLICY FOR [SCHOOL OR DISTRICT NAME]
This policy is effective as of [insert effective date] and applies to all students, staff, and visitors of [School or District Name].
OBJECTIVE
The Electric Bike (Ebike) Policy for [School or District Name] has been established to promote the safe and responsible use of ebikes on school property and in adjacent areas. The primary goal is to ensure the safety of all individuals, including students, staff, motorists, pedestrians, and surrounding neighborhood residents.
Bringing an ebike to school is a privilege. Students violating this policy may have their ebike permit revoked and face other disciplinary consequences.
This policy also clarifies that the school district shall not be held responsible for lost or stolen ebikes.
I. General Guidelines
Ebike Permits
- Ebikes are allowed on school premises ONLY IF the ebike operator possesses a valid ebike permit issued by [School or District Name].
- Ebike permits are eligible to students who have met the following requirements.
1) This Electric Bike Policy has been signed and submitted to the school by the student and the student’s legal parent or guardian.
2) The student completed an ebike safety course from an approved course provider and has submitted a certificate of completion to the school.
- Once awarded an ebike permit, students will receive two stickers: one to affix to their ebike frame and the other to the back of their student ID.
Behavioral Expectations
- Ebike operators must adhere to all traffic rules and regulations, as well as any laws specific to electric bikes, while using their ebike in the proximity of and on school property. Only some of these rules, regulations, and laws are covered in this ebike policy, but students are expected to know and follow all of them.
- Any student observed violating state or local laws or driving recklessly or dangerously may face disciplinary action.
Types of Ebikes Allowed on Campus
All ebikes must be:
- Street legal. If you're unsure if your ebike is street-legal, please contact the local police department.
-
In an ebike class that the student is legally allowed to ride.
- In California, you must be 18 years old to ride a Class 3 ebike; only students 18 and older can bring a Class 3 ebike onto school grounds. Students 17 and younger may ride Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes.
- In the manufacturer’s original condition. Modified ebikes are prohibited.
- Properly maintained and in good working order to ensure safe operation, including, but not limited to, brakes, wheels, tires, and batteries. If there is any malfunction or damage, students should stop riding their ebike immediately.
On-campus Operation
- Electric bikes may be operated on school premises only in designated areas and only in manual mode. Operating an ebike on school premises using pedal assist or throttle is strictly prohibited.
- Designated areas include [parking lots and bike lanes]. Outside the designated areas and anywhere a “No Bikes” sign is posted, all students must walk their ebike or bicycle.
- Riding electric bikes on sidewalks or grassy areas is always strictly prohibited.
Speed Limits
- While on school premises and in designated areas where riding an electric bike in manual mode is permitted, ebikes should not exceed a speed limit of [insert speed limit] miles per hour.
- On the streets surrounding the school campus, ebikes must follow all posted speed limits.
Parking
- Electric bikes must be parked [in designated bike racks or storage areas].
- Parking electric bikes in areas obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic is not allowed.
Accountability
- Individuals are responsible for their electric bikes while on school premises. The school district is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged electric bikes.
Safety Equipment
- Helmets: By state law, all students under 18 must wear a buckled helmet at all times, including on and off school property and when operating an ebike or riding as a passenger on an ebike.
- Headlamps, Tail lights, & Reflectors: By state law, all ebikes must be equipped with and use headlamps, taillights, and reflectors during darkness.
II. ENFORCEMENT & CONSEQUENCES
- School administrators, staff, and security personnel are authorized to enforce this policy.
- Violations of the Electric Bike Policy may result in disciplinary actions, including but not limited to warnings, confiscation of electric bikes, revocation of the student’s ebike permit, parental notification, or other appropriate measures as determined by school authorities.
III. REVIEW & AMENDMENT
This Electric Bike Policy will be periodically reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure its effectiveness in promoting safety. The school board or relevant administrative authorities may amend this policy at any time.
IV. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & SIGNATURES
I have read and understand [School or District Name]’s Electric Bike Policy. I acknowledge that bringing an ebike to school is a privilege, and I agree to follow all aspects of this policy.
Student Name: ________________________
Student Signature: ____________________
Date: _______________
Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________
Date: _______________
