Personal Transportation Device Policy

Lewis Middle School Personal Transportation (E-Bike, Bicycle, Skateboard and Scooter) Policy for Students and Families

As e-bikes become more popular, Lewis Middle School urges all parents to consider if their child is ready for the significant responsibility. E-bikes can reach high speeds, requiring maturity and awareness similar to driving a motor vehicle. It is essential that all riders follow traffic laws, wear required safety gear (including a properly fitted helmet), and ride responsibly at all times.

General Rules for All Bicycles, E-Bikes, Skateboards and Scooters

• Helmets are required by California law for anyone under 18 years of age. All students must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboard, e-bike, or scooter to and from school.
• The San Diego Unified School District is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of any equipment; all risk is assumed by the student.
• Students must obey all rules of the road.

E-Bike Policy and Campus Procedures

Lewis Middle School students who use e-bikes, bicycles, or scooters as a mode of transportation must follow these specific campus rules to ensure the safety of all students:

• Permit Required: All students planning to ride an e-bike, bicycle, skateboard or scooter to school must obtain a permit from the main office beginning March 2, 2026. This permit must be visibly affixed to the equipment.
• Storage Location: All e-bikes, bicycles, and scooters must be locked in the designated bike cage area on Irwin Drive.
• Skateboard Racks: Lewis Middle School has purchased, and will be installing skateboard racks with locks in the bike cage area on Irwin Drive. Skateboarders must use these designated racks to store skateboards during the instructional day .
• Walking Equipment on Sidewalks: Due to high pedestrian foot traffic before and after school, e-bike, bicycle, skateboard and scooter riders must walk their equipment on the sidewalk area in front of the school.
• Prohibited Areas: E-bikes, bicycles, skateboards and scooters may not be used (ridden) in the following areas on or near Lewis Middle School campus:
  • The front parking lot
  • The concrete area outside the main entrance
  • Anywhere inside the school's gates
  • All sidewalks immediately bordering campus
  • PE areas
  • Upper Fields

Permit and Safety Education Process

To obtain a permit, students must:

1. Complete an Application: Fill out the required Lewis Middle School or San Diego Unified School District permit application form (linked here & available in the main office).
2. Attend Safety Training: Attend an approved Bike/E-Bike Safety Course or Presentation. Approved courses include:
   • The free online eBike Safety and Training Course endorsed by the California Highway Patrol.
   • Any in-person California Highway Patrol Safety Courses.
   • Courses offered by the San Diego County Bike Coalition or City programs.
3. Provide Proof: Submit proof of completion of the safety course to the main office to receive a district-issued permit sticker.
4. Receive and Display Sticker: All students who have been approved to ride e-bikes, bicycles, skateboards or scooters must display their sticker at all times.

Failure to follow E-bike, bicycle, skateboard and scooter policies will result in:

1. Warning
2. Second Warning with parent call
3. Revocation of permit to ride

Required Safety Education Options

1. Free Online eBike Safety & Training Courses
   • The California Highway Patrol: self-paced online training program specifically for eBike riders.
   • Scripps Health: They offer a Free eBike Training Program for Teens in partnership with the American Bicycling Education Association.
     
     
2. In-Person CHP Safety Courses

While the CHP offers many specialized law enforcement trainings, they also host community-focused safety events. These are often organized by local CHP divisions rather than a single statewide calendar.

• CHP Event Calendar: CHP Programs & Services
• San Diego CHP Office: Contact the San Diego (Border) Division directly at (858) 650-3600 to ask about upcoming "Start Smart" classes or community bike rodeos.
• Start Smart Classes: These are geared toward teen drivers but often include sections on sharing the road with cyclists and eBikes.

1. San Diego County Bike Coalition (SDBikeCoalition)

This is the primary resource for local, hands-on cycling education in San Diego. They offer everything from basic "City Cycling" to advanced certification.

• Main Class List: SDBikeCoalition Classes
• Featured Courses:
  • Urban Bike & eBike Essentials: Teaches route planning and traffic handling.
  • Smart Cycling: A two-part course (classroom + on-road) that yields a national certification.