Novato, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Section 18-18 was added by Ordinance No. 1724 on July 22, 2025, and carries out the program authorized by Vehicle Code § 21214.5 et seq. within the City of Novato. It addresses one class only. The section defines a Class 2 electric bicycle by pointing to Vehicle Code section 312.5(a)(2), so the state definition controls what counts as a Class 2 bike. The section prints no separate rules for Class 1 or Class 3 bicycles.

Two restrictions apply under subsection c. No person under 16 years of age can operate a Class 2 electric bicycle, and no person can operate one without wearing a bicycle helmet that complies with Vehicle Code section 21213(b).

Subsection d sets the enforcement schedule. For the first 60 days after the section comes into effect, any violation is punishable only by warning notices. From the 61st day on, a violation of either restriction is an infraction with a fine of twenty-five dollars. For the age rule, the fee is not imposed if the parent or legal guardian delivers proof to the issuing agency within 120 days after the citation that the person completed an electric bicycle safety and training course under Streets and Highways Code section 894, or a safety course offered by a local jurisdiction. For the helmet rule, proof of a helmet meeting Vehicle Code section 21212(a) plus completion of the same kind of course, delivered within 120 days, removes the fee. No record of a violation is transmitted to any Superior Court of the State of California, and the parent or legal guardian having control or custody of an unemancipated minor is jointly and severally liable with the minor for the fine.

Subsection e is a sunset clause: the section becomes inoperative on January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed. That date has not passed.