Logo courtesy of San Juan Unified School District

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - As electric bikes (e-bikes), scooters and other forms of e-transportation become increasingly popular among students, the San Juan Unified Board of Education approved updated guidelines designed to support student and staff safety on school campuses on June 23.

Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, only Class 1 e-bikes will be permitted at elementary, K-8 and middle school campuses. High school students may continue to ride Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards, provided the student meets applicable age and licensing requirements for the device.

The decision follows conversations with school leaders, staff and community partners about the growing use of e-transportation devices and the importance of creating safe campus environments for students and staff.

Understanding the guidelines

Under the updated guidelines helmets are required for all riders; e-motos are not permitted on any San Juan Unified campus; elementary, K-8 and middle school students may only ride Class 1 e-bikes; high school students may ride Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards; riders of Class 3 e-bikes and e-scooters must be at least 16 years old; and e-scooter riders must have a valid permit or driver's license.

California law groups e-bikes into three classifications: Class 1 (Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph), Class 2 (Throttle-assisted, up to 20 mph) and Class 3 (Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph).

Class 1 e-bikes are generally considered the safest option for younger riders because they provide motor assistance only while pedaling and operate at lower speeds than Class 3 devices.

A shared responsibility

San Juan Unified encourages families to discuss e-transportation safety with their students and review the rules that apply to the devices they ride.

Whether traveling by bicycle, e-bike, scooter or skateboard, students should wear a helmet every ride; follow all traffic laws and signals; ride in the direction of traffic; yield to pedestrians; stay alert and avoid distractions; and slow down and use caution near school campuses.

By working together, families, students and schools can help ensure students travel safely to and from school while making responsible choices on the road.

Learn more

Families can learn more about e-transportation safety, classifications and campus expectations by visiting the district's E-Transportation Safety webpage at sanjuan.edu/etransportation.