Council weighs local rules for e‑bikes, asks staff for ordinance options and education plan

Imperial Beach councilmembers spent a substantive portion of Wednesday’s meeting discussing local regulation of electric bicycles and similar low‑speed electric devices.

City Manager Tyler Fultz and staff summarized California Vehicle Code classifications for e‑bikes (Class 1 pedal assist; Class 2 throttle assist; Class 3 higher‑speed pedal assist) and reviewed San Diego County pilot legislation (AB 2234) and neighboring ordinances used by Coronado and Chula Vista as examples. Staff noted that some local codes are outdated and that state law prohibits local bicycle licensing, registration or insurance requirements.

Councilmembers expressed safety concerns—especially about high speeds on sidewalks and young riders. Councilmember Seabury recounted a collision in which a rider hit a pedestrian at 26–28 mph and urged stronger measures and liability protections. Others emphasized the need for education and targetted enforcement. Councilmember Nakawatase proposed helmet compliance, parking guidance, and rules against modified bikes that exceed legal speed thresholds.

Lieutenant from the Sheriff’s traffic unit said enforcement is situational and that the department intends to run an educational outreach program in the coming months. "We are planning to do an educational piece…our traffic deputies are working through that now," the sheriff representative said.

Council directed staff to return with ordinance options addressing sidewalks, mapped location limits, signage and coordination with the Sheriff for education and enforcement; members opposed adopting the full AB 2234 reporting regime that requires detailed demographic reporting of stops and optional diversion to a training program.

No ordinance was adopted at the meeting; staff will prepare draft options for future council consideration.