The Rocklin Unified School District has decided to ban Class 2 e-bikes equipped with throttles from its 14 schools, including 12 elementary and two middle schools. This policy, aimed at ensuring student safety, comes in response to increasing incidents of accidents and reckless riding among young e-bike users.
The e-bikes in question can reach speeds of up to 20 mph, significantly faster than traditional bicycles or basic pedal-assist e-bikes. Rocklin police and the school district have noted a troubling rise in the number of students riding these e-bikes, which has led to dangerous situations. Despite ongoing efforts to educate families and students about safe riding practices, the situation grew untenable.
“It’s 11 and 15-year-olds, and we’ve given them this piece of transportation that’s really a motorcycle,” stated Rustin Banks, Chief of Police for Rocklin. He acknowledged the thrill young people find in e-bikes but expressed concern over safety.
Students like Ben Higbee, aged 13, have voiced their disappointment, noting that some riders have engaged in reckless behaviors such as popping wheelies. “I don’t really like it,” Higbee said. “I don’t know how I’m going to get to school some days because my parents are working.”
The rise in e-bike usage has coincided with a notable increase in injuries and accidents, prompting the district and police to act decisively. Banks highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’ve had some really, really close calls here. And we’ve had a significant amount of hospitalized e-bike riders, and we didn’t want to wait until something made it to the next level.”
The district does not intend to punish students but aims to prioritize their safety. Sundeep Dosanjh, Chief of Communications for the district, emphasized the commitment to providing a safe educational environment. “We strive to make everyone aware of how to safely use transportation options,” Dosanjh stated.
To facilitate a smooth transition, Rocklin Unified has outlined a phased implementation plan. This plan will provide families with time to adjust before the full enforcement of the policy begins on February 2, 2026.
The timeline is as follows:
– **Education and Grace Period (December 2025)**: Schools will focus on educating students and families about the new policy.
– **Warning Phase (January 2026)**: Students found with non-compliant e-bikes will receive warnings.
– **Administrative Enforcement (Effective February 2, 2026)**: The full policy enforcement begins.
Enforcement measures will include discussions with school administration, potential detention, and required meetings with both site administration and the Rocklin Police Department. Families will also need to retrieve any non-compliant e-bikes from school premises.
As the holiday season approaches, the district is proactively informing families considering e-bikes for their children. While e-bikes with throttles will be banned, traditional bicycles remain a viable option for transportation to school. The district aims to ensure the safety of all students while maintaining their access to transportation.
