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Council introduces first-reading ebike ordinance to restrict ebikes in Lacy Park and parts of Huntington Drive
Summary
Police presented Ordinance No. 026-1424 for first reading to regulate electric bicycles and similar devices, including a prohibition on ebikes in Lacy Park, targeted restrictions along Huntington Drive, class definitions, and a proposed youth safety class; the council voted to introduce the ordinance and directed further review.
The San Marino City Council introduced for first reading Ordinance No. 026-1424, a new municipal code package to define and regulate electric bicycles, motorized scooters, electric motorized boards and shared mobility devices.
The Police Chief told the council the ordinance stems from community complaints and safety concerns, particularly about class 3 ebikes that can exceed 20 mph. "The goal is to make San Marino the safest city that we have," the Chief said, describing proposed prohibitions on ebikes in parts of Huntington Drive and a complete ban on electric bicycles in Lacy Park (except by designated authorization for special events). The draft also adds definitions for class 1, 2 and 3 ebikes, clarifies where motorized devices are allowed, and creates enforcement tools including administrative fines and traffic citations.
The Chief said the city would emphasize education: for many juvenile violations the department proposes a short safety-training program that requires the youth and a parent to attend; repeat offenders could receive citations and traffic-court consequences. "If they have another violation... they may get a citation," the Chief said, describing a process that could include traffic court and fines assessed by the traffic commissioner.
Councilmembers supported the safety intent but asked staff to refine the language. Councilman Chip pressed for explicit exemptions for motorized devices used by people with disabilities; the Chief and staff cited state law and AB 545, saying shared mobility device definitions exclude medical mobility equipment and that the draft can be clarified to make that explicit.
Councilmembers also asked about signage and enforcement presence at Lacy Park and along Huntington Drive and about age/code limits for certain devices; staff said signage would be coordinated with public works and enforcement would be provided as officers are available.
A motion to waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 026-1424 passed by roll call (yes votes: Chang, Chow, Sheper Rommy, Vice Mayor Low and Mayor Cho). The ordinance was introduced for first reading; additional edits and review (including by the Public Safety Commission where appropriate) were requested before a second reading and final adoption.
