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La Palma council introduces ordinance to regulate electric mobility devices, schedules Sept. 2 adoption vote
Summary
La Palma’s council voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance setting rules for e-bikes and other electric mobility devices, including a 28 mph speed cap, prohibitions on sidewalks, an ADA exemption, and a planned second reading Sept. 2, 2025.
La Palma’s City Council introduced an ordinance on Aug. 5 to regulate electric mobility devices — including e-bikes, electric scooters and motorized boards — and set a second reading and adoption for the Sept. 2, 2025 meeting. Captain Jesse Amend presented staff’s proposal, which staff said was developed in response to the Orange County Grand Jury recommendation for uniform local regulation.
The proposed ordinance would prohibit riding electric mobility devices on sidewalks, public athletic fields and recreational trails, require operators to exercise due care, and set a top speed of 28 miles per hour. The staff report said the ordinance would not apply to mobility devices used by people with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Staff estimated the one-time cost for regulatory signage at about $2,000.
Captain Amend told the council the Police Department has been tracking collisions and calls for service related to electric mobility devices and cited reported numbers as part of the rationale for local rules and education. Members of the public urged the council to pair enforcement with education, helmet training for minors and outreach in schools. One public commenter warned, "They are dangerous," and called for stronger safety programs.
Council members discussed education, helmet requirements for younger riders, and whether additional registration, permitting or bike-lane infrastructure would be needed. Council moved and seconded a motion to approve the ordinance’s introduction and first reading and to schedule its second reading and possible adoption at the Sept. 2, 2025 regular meeting; the motion passed unanimously.
The council asked staff to return with enforcement details, proposed educational programs for all school levels, and any related signage or outreach costs before final adoption.
