Escondido approves e-bike rules, ban for riders under 12

ESCONDIDO — Late last month, a City Council majority approved new regulations for electric bicycles, including a ban on riders younger than 12, after sending a staff proposal back to the drawing board earlier this summer. Staff originally proposed an ordinance in June to update city code to regulate e-bikes. However, the City Council directed staff to fine-tune the policy after many community members said the ordinance was too restrictive. The ordinance, approved on a 4-1 vote Aug. 26, includes definitions distinguishing traditional bicycles from mobility devices, including electric bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electrically motorized boards, low-speed vehicles, motorized scooters, motor vehicles, shared mobility devices and other similar vehicles. Escondido police Lt. Craig Miller of the Traffic Division explained the three classes of e-bikes: Class 1: E-bikes equipped only with pedal assistance and limited to a top speed of 20 mph. These bikes are typically used for recreational assistance. Class 2: E-bikes with both pedal and throttle assistance and a maximum speed of 20 mph. These bikes are most commonly used by children commuting to and from school. Class 3: E-bikes equipped with a speedometer and assistance up to 28 mph. These bikes are mostly used by people commuting longer distances for work. Riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 16 and wear a helmet. The council's decision also enrolled the city in the Youth Safety Pilot Program, a state initiative allowing local governments in San Diego County to prohibit children younger than 12 from operating Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes on a trial basis. Through the pilot program, the state hopes to collect data on whether the ban leads to a statewide reduction in child deaths before determining whether a statewide age limit is necessary. Several other local cities, including San Marcos, Poway, Carlsbad, San Diego, Chula Vista, Santee, La Mesa and Coronado, have also opted into the pilot program by enforcing the age restriction. Oceanside and Imperial Beach decided not to participate and are focusing on other safety measures. Miller noted that Encinitas and Solana Beach are considering participating in the pilot program. Mayor Dane White cast the sole vote against the regulations because of the age limit. 'I would prefer more education first then move on to banning,' he said. Others disagreed. 'I don't support under 12,' Councilmember Consuelo Martinez said. Citing a SANDAG study, Miller said the number of e-bike crashes in the county increased from 72 in 2019 to 643 in 2025. Escondido recorded fewer than five crashes annually from 2022 through 2025, but that number has surged to 35 so far this year. Of those crashes, 17 involved riders younger than 18. Miller also cited national emergency room data showing that 41% of e-bike injuries involve riders ages 10 to 19. The new rules also prohibit reckless operation, as determined by the responding officer; carrying more than one rider on a bicycle unless it is designed for multiple riders; and riding bicycles on sidewalks, except for children younger than 12. People with disabilities may use mobility devices on all sidewalks. Fines begin at $50 and increase to $100, $200 and so on for additional violations. Police may also seize a bicycle, mobility device or nonmotorized vehicle when the operator has been cited for reckless operation, failure to exercise due regard or three or more violations within a year. The seizing officer must provide written notice to the operator or owner, including information about where the device is stored and how to retrieve it. According to staff, the city will emphasize education over enforcement of the new regulations. Riders can take a safety course instead of paying fines, and police will issue administrative citations rather than infractions handled through the court system. Miller said the Police Department would also continue enforcing traffic laws for motorists.