Carlsbad bans e-bikers under 12, among other new regulations
City leaders move forward with AB 2234 pilot program as rising injuries and years of complaints push Carlsbad toward stricter enforcement, including impounding e-bikes for violations
CARLSBAD — Children under 12 will be banned from riding e-bikes and police will gain new authority to impound unsafe riders’ bikes under city code amendments approved by the City Council on Tuesday.
The unanimous vote caps years of rising frustration over unsafe riding and a sharp increase in collisions involving e-bikes. City officials said the new rules, part of a broader pilot program under Assembly Bill 2234, are intended to curb dangerous behavior while allowing responsible e-bike use.
The regulations, which the council is expected to formally adopt on Feb. 24, prohibit anyone under 12 from riding Class 1 or 2 e-bikes, allow police to impound bikes involved in unsafe riding, and ban riding inside Pine and Poinsettia parks. The changes also update several definitions in the city’s municipal code to align with state rules under AB 2234.
If approved, the rollout will begin on Feb. 24 and run through March 26, as required under AB 2234. Once the 30-day period expires, the city will engage in another 60-day warning period with full enforcement starting on May 25, Carlsbad police Lt. Jason Arnotti said. AB 2234 prevents the city from enacting a ban on riders over 12.
“The ordinance and resolution presented here are not intended to limit recreation or mobility,” Arnotti explained. “Collectively, they reflect council direction, community feedback and observe safety trends. They establish clear and proportional tools to address identified risks, while preserving responsible e-bike use throughout our community.”
The issue has been boiling for years as residents have lodged hundreds of complaints, especially with teenage riders in groups, yelling at drivers, pedestrians, and residents, riding recklessly with wheelies and weaving between lanes.
Once enforcement begins on May 25, police can cite an unsafe rider $25, although the fine can be waived if the rider shows proof they completed an approved e-bike safety class within 120 days of the citation.
