Chino Hills council introduces ordinance to ban e-bikes and scooters on sidewalks, citing pedestrian safety

The Chino Hills City Council voted Nov. 26 to introduce an ordinance that would bar the use of all e-bicycles and motorized scooters on city sidewalks, citing pedestrian safety concerns.

Assistant City Manager Rod Hill told the council the proposed rule would target e-bikes and motorized scooters because their motors increase speed and weight, lengthening stopping distance and making collisions with pedestrians more likely. He also noted a parallel problem: lightweight electric dirt bikes without operational pedals are not e-bikes under the California Vehicle Code and are already illegal on public property. “These dirt bikes have larger motors and do not have operational pedals… they are offered only motor vehicles and are prohibited on all public roadways and city properties,” Hill said.

Hill said the city is not seeking to regulate all pedal bicycles but to address devices with motors and higher speeds. He added that helmet requirements for minors remain governed by the California Vehicle Code, and staff will expand outreach to local high schools ahead of enforcement.

Councilmembers asked whether motorized skateboards and single-wheel devices were covered; Hill said staff will research those platforms separately. Police staff reported the department does not systematically track e-bike collisions but noted roughly five bicycle collisions in the past year and resident complaints about sidewalk use. The council approved introduction of the ordinance by a unanimous vote; the proposal will return for a second reading and potential adoption at a subsequent meeting.