The Golf Cart Crew gets into the holiday spirit at the Manhattan Village Christmas Parade.

Happy Holidays!

We're proud to present our holiday issue of "Turtle Talk," an e-blast with the latest updates and news-you-can-use about the South Bay Local Travel Network (LTN), produced by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG).

Here's a little reminder: the LTN is planned to be a 243-mile network of existing, low-speed routes that are designed to accommodate travel via small, low-speed vehicles (aka street-worthy golf carts, e-bikes, pedal bikes, e-scooters, etc.).

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Help! Should I Get My Child an E-bike for Christmas?

Four Tips to Consider

E-bikes have become increasingly popular among teens and adolescents, and they can make great holiday gifts. But before making the splurge, parents should consider several important factors that will prioritize safety and enjoyment for their children.

Put Parameters in Place

Take the time to educate your child about the rules of the road and put parameters in place. Make sure to discuss situations, such as prohibiting passengers from riding tandem without a separate seat and helmet, or exercising caution when riding at night or in inclement weather. Helmets are never just a suggestion and must be worn by riders under the age of 18 by law.

But you don't have to do this alone. Consider enrolling your child in an e-bike safety course as part of the holiday gift package. There are great options in the South Bay, such as an in-person class with E-Bike Sense or an online course with Pedal Ace. 

Right Size Your Child's Ride

Choose an e-bike that is appropriate for your child’s age and riding habits. Note the differences between the three classes of e-bikes. 

1. For a younger rider, consider a Class 1 e-bike that is pedal-assist only, meaning that the motor is engaged only after the rider begins to pedal and reaches a maximum of 20 mph. 
2. Class 2 e-bikes, which are propelled by a throttle, can accelerate too quickly and jerk the rider forward. If opting to purchase an e-bike with a throttle, teach your child how much to use the throttle and make sure that your child can operate it safely. 
3. Class 3 e-bikes, which can go up to 28 mph, are restricted to riders aged 16 and older. 

In addition, some vehicles that are being sold as e-bikes are either not street legal or are outside of the classifications of an e-bike. These vehicles are not appropriate for children. If an "e-bike" has no pedals, exceeds 28 mph, or has a motor greater than 750 watts, it is not an e-bike!

Mind the Maintenance

When shopping around, keep in mind the maintenance that is required with owning an e-bike. E-bike brakes require more frequent replacement than traditional bikes due to deceleration at higher speeds. Batteries will typically last around three to five years. E-bikes should be tuned every six months or every 200-400 miles.  

Shop Local

SBCCOG staff recommend visiting a brick-and-mortar store to test ride several models. Purchasing from an online retailer means that you are responsible for assembling the bike, but remember: you do not want to take unnecessary risks when it comes to your child's safety. Buying from a local bike shop will ensure that your e-bike is assembled correctly and can be serviced in the future.

Watch this video made by retailer SixThreeZero for a breakdown on what you need to know before purchasing.

The True Cost of Owning a Car

What are the true costs of owning a gas or EV car? Let’s break it down, then compare the costs to the cost of owning an local use vehicle, such as an neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) or e-bike.  

The average cost of owning and maintaining a gas car in the U.S. in 2024 is $13,592, according to AAA. For a household with two cars, that's $27,184 or $74 a day. Imagine if the car dealer came to your house every day to collect $74 for your two cars. In contrast, purchasing an NEV or e-bike presents significant cost savings in the long run and is less burdensome on the grid. We estimate that operating an NEV costs less than $10 a day, while an e-bike costs under $1.

Note: Costs generated in this table are estimates calculated based on several assumptions and may not reflect the actual annual prices of owning and operating these vehicles. Retail prices are not included in annual cost calculations.

Sources: AAA Your Driving Costs 2024; SBCCOG LUV Study; Qiolor Ebike “How Much Does An E-Bike Cost To Run Per Year?”; CA DMV Vehicle Registration Calculator; Golf Cars Unlimited; REI "How Much Do Electric Bikes Cost?"; The Zebra "Gas vs. hybrid vs. electric cars: a complete guide"

An LTN Primer

Still unsure what the LTN is all about? Watch our quick 2-minute video to learn more. 

World's First Extendable Cargo E-Bike

Cargo e-bikes are equipped to transport just about anything, from groceries to children to pets. But sometimes users don’t need a lot of cargo space, and the bulkiness of the bike makes for difficult storage. Dutch brand CYCLR has developed the world’s first extendable cargo e-bike that can fulfill a wide range of functions. In extended mode, the bike can seat up to three children with safety belts. In compact mode, the bike is about the size of a normal e-bike. CYCLR is preparing to take the bike into production. It’s expected to be available for purchase in late 2025. 

New micromobility innovations and technologies are constantly emerging from around the world. We want to showcase some of these exciting vehicle inventions in the industry. Perhaps you’ll spot one of these devices cruising around the South Bay in the near future.

New Laws Place Age Restrictions on E-Bikes

September 30 marked the end of the 2023-24 legislative session. This means that the governor has completed signing or vetoing all bills that landed on his desk this year. Two notable e-bike pilot program bills were signed that will test age restrictions on e-bikes.

1. In Marin County, cities will be able to adopt an ordinance that prohibits children under the age of 16 from riding Class 2 e-bikes.
2. In San Diego County, cities can prohibit children under the age of 12 from riding an e-bike of any class.

These pilot programs will be in effect until January 2029.  

Ever wonder how our legislators plan to address issues surrounding low-speed vehicles, mobility and traffic safety? In this Legislative Tracker feature, we will spotlight a local, state, or federal piece of legislation pertaining to low-speed travel in a quick, easy-to-understand explanation. 

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