A growing number of San Diego cities are opting to restrict the use of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, by minors.
In 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2234, authored by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. The law created a countywide pilot program in San Diego County that allows cities to opt in to age-based e-bike restrictions. Under the program, participating jurisdictions may prohibit children under 12 from riding Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes, which can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. The pilot program runs through 2029.
This month, Carlsbad and Santee became the latest cities to adopt the restrictions, joining Coronado, Chula Vista, Poway, and San Marcos. The issue of e-bike safety has gained a new sense of urgency since the tragic death of an eight-year-old child in Chula Vista this summer.
Carlsbad, which has declared a local state of emergency related to e-bike safety, is going a step further. The Carlsbad City Council has directed city staff to explore options for raising the minimum e-bike riding age to 16. According to the city, accidents involving bicycles and e-bikes have increased by 233% since 2019.
The Times of San Diego has summarized some additional limitations being placed on e-bikes in participating cities. You can read about those measures here.