Chula Vista passes e-bike restrictions. Enforcement begins in 90 days.

Chula Vista has now officially banned young children from riding e-bikes, e-scooters and similar vehicles. 

In a second, final vote on Tuesday, the council unanimously placed new restrictions on “electric micromobility vehicles” — lightweight, low-speed electric vehicles such as e-bikes, motorized scooters, electrically motorized boards and low-speed vehicles.

The new ordinance bans children under the age of 12 from using Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which are pedal- and throttle-assisted vehicles, respectively, that can travel 20 mph, according to the state’s rules.

Types of bikes

Class 1: A “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle” equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, with the exception of a “start assistance” or “walk mode.” It stops assisting with pedaling when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.

Class 2: A “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle” equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle. It is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.

Class 3: Can travel 28 mph. California law has already made it illegal to ride a Class 3 e-bike on bicycle paths and certain trails unless that path or trail is on or next to a road, or permission to use the trail or roadway is granted by local law. Riders must be at least 16 years old.

Motorized Bicycles: A two- or three-wheeled device capable of no more than 30 mph on level ground. It is equipped with fully operative pedals for human propulsion and no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy. A specific type of driver’s license is required.

Anyone is also prohibited from knowingly allowing children under 12 to ride any electric micromobility vehicle and no one under age 18 can transport anyone on these vehicles. 

Other restrictions include banning all types of e-bikes from sidewalks in business districts and roads with 40-mph speed limits or greater. Helmets are mandatory for those under age 18.

People with disabilities who use mobility devices, such as motorized wheelchairs and seated scooters, are excluded from the ordinance.

The council last month voted to extend its original grace period to 90 days before its Police Department can begin citing riders with fines that range from $25 to $250 or impounding their vehicles. People who cannot afford the penalties could also attend traffic school instead.

Officials said they’ll use the grace period to educate residents on the new rules through hosting public forums and coordinating with local schools.

Councilmember Michael Inzunza, who proposed the ordinance earlier this year, cited two separate and recent fatalities in Chula Vista: an 8-year-old boy who was struck by a vehicle while reportedly riding an electric scooter, and a 27-year-old who was struck while riding an e-bike across trolley tracks.

“These things are dangerous,” he said.

During a meeting last month, Councilmember Carolina Chavez raised questions on the Police Department’s plans to enforce the new ordinance.

Chula Vista Assistant Police Chief Dan Peak said officers “aren’t going to be looking specifically for individuals that might be 12 or under.”

Instead, Peak expects that officers will be responding to calls made by people reporting “unsafe” riding with these vehicles. Alternatively, he foresees schools notifying police and then potentially leaving it up to a school resource officer to “do some education with the rider,” he said.

Minors can apply within 180 days of the citation for a safety training and provide proof of it and the ticket “would not be reported to anyone,” city staff said.

Anyone who gets a first ticket of $25 can apply within 120 days of the citation for a safety training and provide proof of it, according to the ordinance. The ticket “would not be reported to anyone,” city staff said.