My name is JP Blake.

I co-founded E-Lux Electric Bikes and spent 10 years helping lead the first wave of EBike adoption. We sold thousands of bikes and got thousands of riders on the road.

But as EBikes became more popular, I started noticing a problem.

Young riders were zipping through traffic with little safety awareness—riding with the freedom of a car but none of the training to handle it. That’s when I knew something had to change.

In early 2025, I started the EBike Safety Foundation.

What’s the Problem?

When I was a kid, everything happened in front of mom and dad. Phones were attached to walls, and if I wanted to see my friends, I had to leave the house. That meant getting a driver’s license—and driver’s ed. I learned how the streets work before I ever got behind the wheel.

But times have changed.

Today’s kids are connected without leaving their rooms—gaming, texting, FaceTiming. Cars aren’t essential anymore. So when they do head across town, it’s often on electric bikes.

Parents like the idea:

– Kids can get to school solo
– They have more freedom
– EBikes go farther, faster, and easier than pedal bikes

But there’s a big problem:

Most of these kids are now riding in real traffic—with zero training.

• They don’t know the rules.
• They don’t know how fast 25 mph really is.
• They don’t realize how invisible they are to a distracted driver.
• They treat EBikes like toys, not traffic vehicles.
• Some ride two-up.
• Some skip helmets.
• Some don’t even know they’re breaking the law.

We’ve reached a turning point. Something has to change.

What’s the Solution?

We’ve identified three urgent needs in the EBike world:

1. Awareness of the Risk

Most people think EBikes are “just bikes”—but they’re not riding them like bikes. They’re faster, heavier, and out in traffic with cars and trucks.

Injuries and fatalities are increasing—and most are preventable. We need to:

– Wake up parents
– Educate riders
– Treat EBikes, and traffic, with real respect

2. Advocacy with Government and Industry

There’s very little guidance or standardization around EBike safety, laws, and infrastructure. Some schools have policies. Many do not. Cities want rules but don’t know where to start.

That’s why we’re stepping in to push for smarter, clearer EBike safety standards. We’re working with:

– Cities
– School boards
– State governments
– Manufacturers

3. Certified Training for All Ages

No one hands a 15-year-old the keys to a car without training. But we do it every day with EBikes.

“Be careful” isn’t enough. That’s why we’re building certified EBike training programs built for:

– Teenagers
– Real-world traffic
– Practical knowledge

Taught by trained professionals. Built for everyday safety.

Every rider needs training before hitting the street. Every parent should demand it.

Learn more about how we’re changing the culture of EBike safety: ebikesafetyfoundation.org/

Let’s make our roads safer—one rider at a time.

Ride Safe. Ride Smart.

JP Blake

As of January 1, 2025, California has updated how throttles can be used on electric bikes. These changes are part of a broader effort to standardize safety expectations across e-bike classes.

Here’s What the New Law Says:

• Class 2 E-Bikes:
  • Throttle still allowed
  • Motor must cut off at 20 mph
• Class 1 & Class 3 E-Bikes:
  • Throttle use is prohibited
  • Exception: A very slow “walk mode” (3.7 mph max) is still permitted

For more, see the official legal summary.

Experience From the Saddle

As the Co-Founder and former CEO of E-Lux Electric Bikes, I’ve spent 10 years witnessing how riders interact with e-bike technology. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Throttles aren’t inherently more dangerous than pedal assist. In some situations—like turning—they might even be safer. Pedaling in Pedal Assist mode during a turn can trigger motor acceleration, increasing crash risk.

The Real Danger? Rider Awareness.

No matter what class of e-bike you ride—Class 1, 2, or 3—safety comes down to you and how you ride.

• Stay aware of your speed
• Be mindful of your surroundings
• Always allow for proper stopping distance

EBikes are inherently dangerous. Whether they have Pedal Assist, Throttles or both. The power source doesn’t change this simple truth:

Staying present and alert is the most effective way to avoid a crash.

Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Stay Informed.

These law changes are a great reminder to check your bike’s classification, understand your equipment, and adjust your riding habits accordingly.

Tags:

#ebike #californialaw #ridersrule #ebikesafety #eluxbikes

Sources:

– https://www.mofo.com/resources/insights/250506-new-california-law-redefines-e-bikes