Story updated at 2:14 p.m. Dec. 1 to include a link to Senate Bill 1271 and a link to California Bicycle Laws. Photo caption updated at 3:53 p.m. Dec. 17. We incorrectly identified the vehicles pictured as electric bicycles when they are, in fact, electric motorcycles.

Why is City Council talking about e-bike rules?

A surge in e-bike use in La Verne, driven largely by minors, is prompting heightened community concern. A report compiled by La Verne Police Captain Travis Tibbetts notes residents, schools and businesses have all raised safety concerns.

La Verne officials are weighing whether the City should adopt its own rules for electric bicycles and other motorized mobility devices. City staff has asked City Council for direction on whether to begin drafting a local ordinance that would outline how and where these devices can be used. The Council will discuss the issue at the City Council meeting on Dec. 1 and decide if staff should move forward with creating a draft ordinance for future review.

Q&A: What’s Behind La Verne’s Discussion on E-Bike Regulations?

Q: What safety problems have been reported?

A: City staff list several recurring issues:

• High speeds on sidewalks
• Minors riding powerful or modified e-bikes and motorcycles
• Stunt riding (like wheelies) in business districts, residential areas, and near school campuses
• Riding at night without proper lighting
• Lack of helmets
• Conflicts with pedestrians, other cyclists, and drivers (including collisions and near-miss collisions)

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Q: What state law already covers

A: California’s e-bike law (Senate Bill 1271) defines e-bikes as bicycles equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. E-bike riders must follow the same rules and legal requirements as traditional bike riders regarding speed limits, proper passing and local traffic laws.

California defines three types of e-bikes:

• Class 1: Pedal assist, up to 20 mph
• Class 2: Handlebar-mounted throttle or pedal assist, up to 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal assist only, up to 28 mph

Other key state rules:

• Helmets required for all minors
• Class 3 riders must be 16+
• Class 3 bikes are not allowed on Class 1 and 4 paths unless a city approves it
• E-bikes can generally ride anywhere bicycles can
• No license, registration, or insurance required

State rules don’t address sidewalk use, stunt riding, nighttime restrictions, or modified bikes—areas.

🔗 California Bicycle Laws
🔗 Senate Bill 1271 (went into effect Jan. 1, 2025)
🔗 California’s e-bike laws (PDF)
🔗 Learn about the world of electric bikes

Q: What kinds of rules might La Verne consider?

A: Staff suggest five major policy areas:

1. Clear definitions

The ordinance would spell out exactly what counts as:

• bicycles, Class 1–3 e-bikes
• motorized scooters, electric motorcycles
• mobility devices, low-speed vehicles
• unsafe or stunt behavior (such as wheelies)

2. Rules for how and where people can ride

Potential items include:

• Banning unsafe or reckless riding
• Requiring helmets for minors
• Direction-of-travel rules
• Passenger limits
• Lighting requirements for nighttime
• Bans on stunt riding or using mobile devices while riding
• Age restrictions for Class 3 e-bikes
• Sidewalk/trail restrictions
• Requiring bikes to meet federal manufacturing standards

3. Rules for high-powered electric motorcycles

Devices over 750 watts or without pedals would not qualify as e-bikes. Riders would then need:

• A motorcycle license
• Registration and a license plate
• A DOT-approved helmet
• Proof of insurance

4. Penalties and enforcement

Possible approaches:

• Civil fines
• Parent/guardian responsibility for minors’ violations
• Higher penalties for repeat offenders
• Requiring retailers to give buyers a copy of the rules

5. Exemptions

The ordinance would not restrict:

• Police, fire, or City staff performing official duties
• ADA mobility devices

Q: Is the state planning to tighten e-bike laws?

A: Several recent bills have been proposed, including:

• Requiring retailers to give safety info when a bike is purchased
• Creating uniform age or permit requirements for all classes
• Increasing penalties for modifying e-bikes to exceed legal speeds

None of these have passed yet, so cities must handle local safety concerns on their own.

Q: How are other Southern California cities handling this?

A: The report from Tibbetts highlights three Southern California cities that have already adopted local ordinances.

Carlsbad:

• Bans reckless riding and stunt behavior
• Defines and restricts unsafe sidewalk riding
• Increased enforcement and school partnerships

Huntington Beach:

• Age restrictions and helmet requirements for all electric devices
• E-bike bans on certain trails and beachfront areas

Laguna Beach:

• Bans Class 2 and 3 e-bikes on specific pedestrian paths
• Issues fines for violations

These examples show a growing regional trend: cities are creating local rules when state law doesn’t go far enough.

Q: What happens next?

A: After receiving direction from the Council during the meeting Dec. 1, staff will draft a formal ordinance and bring it back in early 2026 for a first reading. At that point, the Council can make revisions or move toward adoption.

Residents can share feedback and suggestions during public comment at tonight’s council meeting and/or email cityclerk@laverneca.gov.

🔗 City Council Agenda Report: Direction for Developing a Local Electric Bicycle Ordinance (PDF, see page 48)

Monday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers
3660 D. St., La Verne
Join via Zoom
Agenda (PDF)

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