CARLSBAD — Carlsbad officials this week unanimously adopted a new ordinance aimed at curbing unsafe e-bike riding, prohibiting children younger than 12 from operating certain e-bikes and establishing clearer rules — and enforcement tools — for riders, parents and motorists citywide.
The ordinance opts the city into a countywide pilot program that prohibits children under 12 from riding e-bikes in the city.
The suite of changes to the municipal code followed a years-long legislative effort at both the state and city levels. The adopted ordinance was introduced at the Feb. 10 meeting and approved at the next meeting, Feb. 24, by a unanimous vote of the City Council.
The city declared a local state of emergency in August 2022 due to an increase in collisions involving bikes and e-bikes since 2019.
The ordinance was the result of a process that included input from the Traffic Mobility and Safety Commission, the public and other stakeholders, as well as coordination with a countywide pilot program created by state law.
Police Lt. Jason Arnotti said during the Feb. 10 meeting where the ordinance was introduced that the collection of policies “reflect Council direction, community feedback and observed safety trends” and “establish clear and proportionate tools to address identified risks while preserving responsible e-bike use throughout our community.”
The ordinance modernizes regulations; establishes a minimum age framework in accordance with the pilot program created by state Assembly Bill 2234; and provides officers with specific enforcement tools.
Sponsored by state Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, D-Encinitas, and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September 2024, AB 2234 includes a pilot program for municipalities within San Diego County to introduce an ordinance banning children younger than 12 years old from riding Class 1 or 2 e-bikes.
The pilot program also includes regulations on penalties — including the ability to waive fines upon proof of completion of an e-bike safety and training program within 120 days — as well as requirements to submit a detailed report to the state Legislature with data on citations, collisions and other measures of the program’s effectiveness.
Jason Haber, director of government affairs for the city, said at the Feb. 24 meeting that the initial idea presented to state lawmakers, per the direction of the Carlsbad City Council, was to pursue policies to expand e-bike training programs, enhance safety measures, and expand state licensing options. Haber said the bill was introduced by Boerner with that scope in mind.
“Through the process of policy committee review, certain amendments can be required, encouraged, proposed into the bill,” he said.
Haber said concerns were raised, especially in the Assembly Transportation Committee, about the bill’s statewide application.
“They narrowed that bill quite a bit through the amendment process [through changes] that were accepted by the author and ultimately that is the bill that went through to the governor’s desk,” he said. “The bill that we wound up with was very different from what we had originally tried to initiate.”
Arnotti said on Feb. 10 that the new policies would emphasize information — including policies enumerated in AB 2234 — as well as parental liability.
“Enforcement will be grounded in education paired with parental accountability,” he said.
Some of the unsafe riding behaviors defined by the ordinance include exceeding the speed limit for the roadway conditions, performing stunts, and racing.
Arnotti said the ordinance also included a “narrowly tailored seizure authority” that was modified after the December City Council meeting.
The ordinance states that “a police officer may seize any electric bicycle operated by a minor when the officer has probable cause to believe that the minor committed any violation of this Chapter and that the violation created an immediate or substantial risk to public safety.”
Under the ordinance, the city is required to initiate a 30-day public information campaign, followed by a 60-day warning period, with standard enforcement to begin after those phases.
The City Council also adopted a resolution at the Feb. 10 meeting adding both Poinsettia Community Park and Pine Avenue Community Park to the list of public locations where e-bikes are prohibited.
The action was a response to calls for service and recurring community concerns, according to city documents. Walking a bicycle through the parks will remain permitted unless otherwise posted.
Mayor Pro Tem Priya Bhat-Patel said on Feb. 10 that she has heard “mixed reviews” about where e-bike policies are headed.
“I just want to reemphasize that our goal isn’t to punish folks,” Bhat-Patel said. “It’s really not to limit mobility. It’s really to figure out how we can make sure that we’re keeping kids safe.”
She added that it is important for drivers to do their part for safety, saying that if “you’re a driver, please be mindful of the children that are out there and make sure you’re following the speed limits,” and asking drivers to avoid distractions.
Police Chief Christie Calderwood confirmed at this week’s meeting that lights are required on bikes and e-bikes ridden at night when asked by Councilmember Teresa Acosta.
Acosta said at the previous meeting that e-bike safety is still a work in progress and that city officials would monitor the impacts of the new policies.
“There are a lot more things coming,” she said. “It’s not just Carlsbad, it’s not just the San Diego region. It’s statewide.
“We haven’t quite fixed all the pieces yet because it’s a moving and fluid situation.”
