10/13/2026
San Diego Police Begin Issuing $25 E-Bike Citations as New Safety Rules Take Effect
SAN DIEGO — Monday, October 12, 2026 — The warning period is over for electric bicycle riders in the City of San Diego, as new enforcement rules take effect Monday, allowing police officers to issue citations to riders who violate the city’s recently adopted e-bike safety ordinance.
After 60 days of warnings and public education, the San Diego Police Department can now issue $25 citations for violations of the city’s new e-bike regulations, including restrictions on younger riders.
The ordinance, which took effect August 13, prohibits children under the age of 12 from operating electric bicycles on public roadways, bike paths, trails, parks and boardwalks within San Diego city limits.
The new regulations also reinforce existing helmet requirements, passenger restrictions and traffic safety laws.
WHAT RIDERS NEED TO KNOW
Under the regulations:
* Under 12: Children are prohibited from operating Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes within city limits.
* Ages 12–15: Riders may operate Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which provide motor assistance up to 20 mph.
* Ages 16 and older: Riders may operate Class 3 e-bikes, which provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph.
* Helmets: Required for all riders under 18 and for everyone operating a Class 3 e-bike.
* Passengers: Only permitted when the bicycle is specifically designed to carry additional riders.
* Traffic laws: E-bike riders must obey stop signs, traffic signals and other applicable roadway regulations.
$25 FINES — BUT THERE’S AN ALTERNATIVE
Riders receiving qualifying citations may avoid paying the $25 fine by completing an approved online e-bike safety course within 120 days.
For violations involving minors, parents or legal guardians may also be held financially responsible.
City officials say the goal is not simply to issue tickets but to encourage safer riding habits, particularly among younger riders who may not fully understand the risks associated with operating motor-assisted bicycles.
WHY THE CITY IS CRACKING DOWN
The enforcement changes come amid growing concerns about e-bike-related injuries across San Diego County.
According to previously reported figures from Rady Children’s Hospital, medical teams treated 262 traumatic e-bike injuries in 2025.
Medical professionals have raised concerns about the speed and weight of electric bicycles, particularly when operated by younger children who may lack the experience to react quickly to traffic hazards.
San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo, who helped lead the effort to establish the regulations, has emphasized that the restrictions are intended to protect children, families and others sharing public roadways.
Several other communities across San Diego County, including Chula Vista, Carlsbad and La Mesa, have adopted similar restrictions.
A REMINDER TO PARENTS
With electric bicycles becoming increasingly popular among students traveling to school, parks and neighborhood businesses, authorities are encouraging parents to familiarize themselves with the law before allowing their children to ride.
Parents should also understand that high-powered electric motorcycles, sometimes mistaken for ordinary e-bikes, are subject to different licensing and registration requirements.
For San Diego riders, the message is simple: Know the rules, wear the proper safety equipment and ride responsibly.
As of October 12, violating the city’s new e-bike regulations could mean more than a warning.
📸: Jonathan Cooper
