Multiple cities within San Diego are either considering – or have already implemented – additional restrictions on children’s use of e-bikes following the passing of a state law late last year.
For context: A 2023 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report showed that micromobility device injuries across the U.S. have increased an estimated average 23% each year since 2017. Children under 14 accounted for more than one-third of these injuries, the report said.
Not just younger kids: Several local news reports have detailed collisions involving older teens.
- 2023: A 15-year old from Encinitas was killed in a collision with a work van. His mother has since advocated for e-bike safety education programs.
- 2024: A 17-year old without a helmet was ejected from his e-bike and suffered serious injuries, including multiple facial fractures, after colliding with a car in Bay Park.
- 2025: Two 16-year-olds on an e-bike were seriously injured when a car struck them in University City.
Just San Diego County: AB 2234 created a pilot program that allows local governments across the county (and the county itself) to prohibit riders under 12 from operating class 1 and class 2 electric bikes, which have motors that reach speeds of 20 mph. After the program ends in 2029, state legislators can decide whether to continue it.
But statewide: Children under the age of 16 are already restricted from riding class 3 bikes, which reach speeds up to 28 mph. And anyone under 18 is required to wear a helmet, regardless of e-bike class.
Only a few so far: Two North County inland cities, San Marcos and Poway, have joined South Bay cities Coronado and Chula Vista in implementing these restrictions. Some North County coastal cities like Carlsbad are also considering additional restrictions, but have yet to vote on them.
Find those cities on our map:
Type of Content
News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
