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Encinitas council directs staff to craft e‑bike safety rules, including enforcement and education tools

Encinitas City Council · January 29, 2026

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Summary

In response to rising risky e‑bike and illegal e‑motorcycle activity, the council unanimously directed staff and the sheriff’s office to return with proposed amendments to Title 14 for e‑bike safety including diversion/education programs, minimum age considerations, and temporary impound authority for egregious violations.

Councilmembers directed the city manager to work with city staff and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department to return with proposed amendments to Title 14 of the Encinitas Municipal Code addressing e‑bike safety.

Deputy Mayor O'Hara opened the agenda item noting prior council action on e‑bikes and recent local incidents. Sheriff’s Captain Watts summarized enforcement activity, saying deputies seized several illegal high‑speed e‑motorcycles in recent days and have used diversion programs and parental citations in some cases. Watts said dangerous behaviors—wheelies, riding at high speed and failing to yield to officers—are of particular concern and that enforcement must balance safety and practicality.

Public commenters urged an emphasis on education and diversion for youth riders; one suggested a low‑cost video‑based training program with a certificate that could be required to use school parking or avoid fines. Councilmembers supported a multi‑pronged approach: stronger enforcement tools (including temporary seizure for repeat or reckless offenders), educational diversion programs, parental accountability where appropriate, clarifying sidewalk/dismount zones, and exploring minimum age or class restrictions aligned with state guidance.

Councilmember Schaeffer moved and the council voted unanimously to direct staff to return with ordinance amendments that would: clarify prohibited behaviors, propose diversion and education programs, provide options for temporary impoundment for repeat or dangerous offenders, and recommend minimum age or class restrictions. Staff will consult with the sheriff’s department and neighboring cities on best practices.