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La Verne council directs staff to draft local e‑bike ordinance after public safety concerns
Summary
After residents described near-misses and dangerous riding behaviors, the La Verne City Council unanimously directed staff to draft a local electric-bicycle ordinance addressing helmet rules, sidewalk restrictions, equipment standards and penalties and to return with a draft in early 2026.
La Verne — The City Council on Dec. 1 directed staff to draft a local ordinance regulating electric bicycles and similar motorized mobility devices, after a police presentation and more than an hour of public comment focused on safety around schools, sidewalks and commercial areas.
Police Chief Sam Gonzalez and Sergeant Carlos Flores said use of higher‑powered, modified devices and unsafe riding behaviors have risen locally. "Since 2023 we've had 34 bicycle‑related accidents; 10 of those were ebike‑related," Sergeant Flores told the council, arguing state law leaves gaps on issues such as sidewalk riding, device modifications, nighttime lighting and minimum equipment standards.
In a list of policy options staff identified for council direction, officers recommended clarifying device classes (distinguishing bicycles from electric motorcycles), prohibiting reckless riding and stunt maneuvers, requiring helmets for minors (and optional wider helmet rules), setting nighttime lighting and reflector standards, restricting higher‑class devices in pedestrian areas and creating tiered civil penalties with parental‑responsibility provisions for minors. Staff noted there would be modest future costs for signage and enforcement if an ordinance is adopted.
Public commenters described repeated near misses and risky behavior. "If I had not jumped out of the way, I would have been hit," resident Dorine Lamont said, recounting being passed on a sidewalk at night by a high‑speed device. Other speakers said groups of minors sometimes ride without helmets, perform wheelies and use phones while riding. A smaller group of residents and one commenter urged caution about overly broad local rules, saying statewide definitions and enforcement already apply to illegal electric motorcycles.
Councilmembers emphasized education alongside regulation. Several members asked staff to coordinate with the school district, the police department’s existing outreach and the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority on liability and prevention. Councilmember Lao said the education component was “a huge part” of any approach; Councilmember Crosby and others pointed to Carlsbad and other nearby cities as examples of local rules that pair citations with optional safety courses.
Council directed staff to develop a draft ordinance for first reading and public review in early 2026 rather than vote on ordinance language tonight. Staff said the draft will return for council review and that the city will solicit additional community input and legal review during the drafting process.
What happens next: Staff will prepare a draft municipal code section and bring it back to council for a first reading in early 2026, accompanied by recommended signage, education and enforcement plans.
