ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Electric bikes are booming in popularity across San Diego, especially among younger riders. But as their popularity grows, so does confusion about what actually qualifies as an e-bike.
Under California law, true e-bikes fall into three different categories based on how fast they go and how the motor assists the rider. To break down the difference, CBS 8 spoke with Bill Connard, co-owner of the E-bike Super Shop in Escondido.
Class 1 e-bikes
A Class 1 e-bike provides motor assistance only when the rider is pedaling and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
“A Class 1 e-bike can go up to 20 miles an hour, and it does not have a throttle,” Connard said. “It only has pedal assist.”…