Simi Valley council advances ordinance to modernize e-bike, scooter and sidewalk rules
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Summary
The council introduced and unanimously approved first reading of Ordinance No. 1367 to update municipal code for bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters and similar conveyances, aligning definitions with state law, adding enforcement tools and clarifying training and helmet provisions.
The Simi Valley City Council voted unanimously Feb. 24 to introduce and approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1367, modernizing local rules governing bicycles, electric bicycles (e-bikes), scooters and similar conveyances.
The proposal, presented by Commander Darren Mueller and Sergeant Joshua McAllister of the Simi Valley Police Department, updates Municipal Code Section 4-3.22 to add e-bike definitions, adapt helmet and lighting requirements, and give local authorities clearer enforcement options for off-highway electric motorcycles and illegal high-speed devices. Commander Mueller said the changes are intended to align the city code with recent state law, including Assembly Bill 875, which expands law enforcement authority to impound certain non-bike motorized devices.
"Class 3 e-bikes require a speedometer and the operator must be 16 or older and wear a helmet," Sergeant McAllister said during the presentation. Police officials also cited local collision data from Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2024: 141 bicycle-related collisions, six of them fatal, with a majority involving injuries.
Council members focused questions on sidewalk access, helmet standards and education requirements. Council Member Ayala proposed explicitly referencing helmet certifications in the code and said he favored incorporating Consumer Product Safety Commission or ASTM standards into the ordinance or education materials. The City Attorney advised matching municipal definitions to the Vehicle Code and correcting typographical issues in the draft.
On enforcement, Sergeant McAllister said the traffic bureau prioritizes education and progressive enforcement: "Anytime we stop anyone on an e-motorcycle or riding out of class, we do our best to educate first," he said, adding that repeat noncompliance can lead to citations, tow and impound. He said the department currently charges standard vehicle-release fees for seized devices and sometimes uses tow companies to impound devices.
Council members also discussed how course completion could be required as a condition of vehicle release; Sergeant McAllister said that after a minimum 48-hour hold, the city may condition release on proof of completion of a safety or training program.
Council Member Rhodes and others suggested the ordinance keep some flexibility so the city can adopt more robust local training if the CHP online course proves too rudimentary. The City Attorney confirmed the Vehicle Code allows local jurisdictions to require proof of completion of a local bicycle safety program in lieu of the CHP course.
Council Member Judge moved to introduce and approve the ordinance's first reading "with the corrections we made," and Mayor Kavanaugh seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Staff said the ordinance will return for a subsequent reading and final adoption after Council direction and any additional drafting changes.
The ordinance text as introduced will: add e-bike-specific definitions to Title 4, Chapter 3; enumerate new operational and safety rules; provide clearer enforcement language (including administrative cost recovery for impound/storage where appropriate); and create a mechanism for the city to require proof of training as a condition of vehicle release.
