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Supervisors unanimously introduce county e-micro-mobility ordinance after parent recounts child's death
Summary
The board introduced a model ordinance to regulate electric micro-mobility devices in unincorporated San Mateo County — defining illegal 'e-motos,' setting low sidewalk speed limits, and creating a youth diversion program for first offenses — after Sheriff's Office support and testimony from a father whose child died in a collision.
San Mateo County supervisors voted to introduce an ordinance aimed at clarifying and strengthening local regulation of electric micro-mobility devices. The model ordinance defines illegal 'electric motorcycles' (e-motos), restricts unsafe operation, sets low sidewalk speeds with pedestrian-yield rules, and establishes a youth diversion option for first violations. The ordinance's effective date was set for Jan. 1, 2027 to allow time for education and program setup.
Sheriff Bender told the board the measure would enhance public safety and give law enforcement tools to remove dangerous devices from county streets. Deputy Chris Larson described field encounters with high-speed devices and supported an education-first approach. "The accidents that we're also seeing... with e-bikes... include severe head trauma," Larson said, urging education for parents and youth. Ming Fong, whose 4½-year-old son Aiden died in a collision, urged adoption and said: "An 11 year old should not be operating a motor vehicle that can go up to 20 miles an hour." The board passed the ordinance introduction unanimously and directed staff to continue developing the youth diversion and enforcement details.
