Member Q&A #4: The E-Bike Ordinance Landscape
In this installment of our Member Q&A Series, we’re sharing a question from Crystal. She reached out after hearing about the recent changes in E-Bike rules around the County:
“I am working on a story that maps out each set of e-bike rules in each San Diego County city. Would you happen to have a comprehensive list at hand already?”
- Crystal N.
E-Bike Riders in Coronado; Photo by the Times of San Diego
Our Response
Thanks for your question, Crystal! We are happy to help.
Most bike and e-bike laws are set at the state level. However, Assembly Bill 2234 (2024) introduced new rules and allows cities to opt in.
Key Facts:
Under-12 riders are now banned from using e-bikes in cities that opt in.
Helmets are still required for all riders under 18 (no change).
Class 3 e-bikes (assist up to 28 mph) remain limited to riders 16 and older.
Local adoption so far:
Coronado – first city in California to opt in (Jan 2025).
Chula Vista – has opted in.
Carlsbad – expected to follow shortly.
What You Can Do
Know the distinction between legal e-bikes and other motorized devices.
Legal e-bikes:
Must have pedals.
Motor cannot assist beyond 28 mph.
If throttle-driven, the motor cannot push past 20 mph.
Anything outside these limits is not an e-bike (it’s an electric motorcycle/motorized device).
Be aware of sidewalk riding rules, which vary by city:
In the City of San Diego, riding on sidewalks is legal in residential areas but not in business districts.
Rules may differ slightly across other municipalities.
Final Thoughts
Enforcement details remain unclear; e.g., how police will verify the age of riders who don’t carry ID?
These changes reflect growing local control over how e-bikes are managed.
Staying informed and helping others understand what is and isn’t legal is the best way to support safe riding and avoid confusion.
