Laguna Beach pumps the brakes on e-bike use, rolls out new rules

Laguna Beach residents and visitors can expect new rules for electric bicycles (e-bikes) soon. In an effort to improve public safety and reduce reckless riding, the city council, in coordination with the Laguna Beach Police Department, has approved a new ordinance aimed at ensuring safer e-bike usage on public roads, sidewalks and parks.

“The idea of introducing new regulations around e-bikes is not unique to Laguna Beach,” said Laguna Beach Police Lieutenant Jesse Schmidt. “E-bikes and similar devices pose safety risks when used irresponsibly as they can operate at higher speeds than pedal bicycles and often compete for space with vehicles and pedestrians.”

The e-bike ordinance is set to take effect on May 8, at which point the city will begin enforcing the new rules while continuing to educate the public.

(Clara Beard/LB Indy)

Six primary critical safety measures were highlighted in the city’s ordinance, including:

Prohibiting unsafe operation: Riders must operate e-bikes safely and avoid reckless behavior that could cause harm to themselves or others.

The direction of travel: E-bike riders must follow the same direction as vehicle traffic, whether on roadways or in bike lanes.

Yield to pedestrians and vehicles: Riders must give the right-of-way to pedestrians and vehicles, as stated by California’s Vehicle Code.

Speed limits: E-bike speeds are capped at 25 miles per hour in permitted areas.

Passenger restrictions: Passengers are only allowed if seated on a designated seat securely attached to the bike.

Helmets required: All riders under 18 years old must wear helmets, per California law.

The police department plans to enact extensive education and enforcement strategies to follow up the new ordinance. According to the department report, officers plan to launch a social media campaign, conduct safety training at local schools and offer quarterly public safety courses.

“The educational component is going to be really important as we roll this out,” said Sergeant Thomas Pratt. “But the enforcement component ultimately is going to pay dividends.”

Councilmembers also noted the need for parental responsibility on e-bike safety, with a noteworthy provision in the ordinance allowing citations to be issued to both minors and their parents in cases of repeated or severe violations.

“We’re obviously going to treat a 30-year-old a little differently than we would a 12-year-old that’s on the bikes,” said Pratt. “And that’s what we really like about the ordinance, as opposed to the vehicle code—it allows us to bring the parents into the fold and take a little bit of a different action plan of attack that can enhance that educational component for enforcement.”

The police department will issue a report six months after implementation and assess the impact of the new regulations with the city council, emphasizing that summer is the peak season for e-bikes. The ordinance is set to take effect on May 8, at which point the city will begin enforcing the new rules while continuing to educate the public. Laguna Beach joins other coastal cities, including San Clemente, Huntington Beach and Manhattan Beach, in implementing similar e-bike regulations to improve safety and accountability.

With this new ordinance, city officials aim to balance promoting alternative transportation options while maintaining order on Laguna Beach’s roads and walkways. As the program rolls out, the city plans to closely monitor its impact on safety and public awareness.

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