San Diego considers minimum age and passenger rules for e-bikes, adding safety-course diversion option
Proposal would align San Diego with countywide pilot allowing cities to restrict youth e-bike riding
San Diego city officials are weighing a proposal that would set a minimum age for operating certain electric bicycles and tighten rules on carrying passengers, as concerns grow over crashes and the rising use of higher-speed devices that resemble motorcycles.
The initiative, introduced February 24, 2026, would prohibit riders younger than 12 from operating e-bikes covered by the city’s local rules, and would only allow passengers when an e-bike is built to safely carry more than one person using a permanent second seat. The proposal also includes an education-first diversion option: a safety course that could be offered in place of traditional enforcement outcomes for some violations.
How the proposal fits within California’s existing e-bike framework
California law classifies e-bikes into three categories. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes provide assistance up to 20 mph, while Class 3 pedal-assist models can reach 28 mph and are limited to riders 16 and older under state rules. Helmet requirements also vary by age and e-bike class.
In 2024, the state created a San Diego County pilot program that allows local jurisdictions to adopt additional restrictions for children under 12 on Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. The pilot runs through 2029, enabling cities to opt in with their own ordinances. Several cities in San Diego County have already adopted under-12 restrictions as part of that framework, making San Diego’s consideration part of a broader regional trend.
Enforcement and education: what would change on the street
Supporters of the proposal describe the rules as intended to be clear and enforceable, focusing on predictable standards that officers can apply consistently. The diversion element would emphasize education by steering some first-time or lower-level conduct into a safety course rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
The proposal also calls for a public outreach campaign if the City Council approves the new regulations, reflecting an approach used in other local rollouts where education phases precede or accompany ticketing.
Minimum operating age for covered e-bikes: 12
Passenger allowance: only when designed for multiple riders with a permanent second seat
Diversion option: safety course offered as an education-first alternative in some cases
Why the issue is escalating
Local and regional law enforcement agencies have reported a rise in crashes involving young riders, while also highlighting confusion in the marketplace and on the road between legal e-bikes and higher-powered electric devices. City rules already distinguish e-bikes from electric motorcycles, which generally require different licensing and are not broadly permitted in typical bike-and-pedestrian environments.
Health and safety research has also documented increasing injury severity associated with e-bike crashes compared with traditional bicycles, reinforcing calls for age-appropriate riding, helmet use, and speed- and equipment-related standards.
Next steps include City Council consideration of the proposal and potential refinements to enforcement, education, and public communication provisions before any changes take effect.