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