San Diego and North Adams Implement New E-Bike Regulations

Municipal governments in California and Massachusetts are introducing new restrictions on e-bike usage to address safety concerns and pedestrian congestion. The San Diego City Council approved regulations on Tuesday that establish a minimum age of 12 for operators of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. The rules reinforce helmet requirements and limit passengers to bikes with permanent second seats. Violators can either pay a $25 fine or complete a safety course.

These measures follow a surge in injuries, with county hospitals recording 865 emergency department visits and 186 hospitalizations in 2024. The local ordinance was made possible by California Assembly Bill 2234. The city will conduct a 30-day public outreach campaign and a 60-day warning period before issuing citations.

Separately, Councilor Bryan Sapienza introduced a draft ordinance to the North Adams City Council in early June. The proposal would add e-bikes to the list of prohibited wheeled vehicles on sidewalks and require riders to dismount in downtown areas during special events when streets are closed. The draft clarifies that devices protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act remain exempt. Proposed penalties include fines and the potential impounding of vehicles for 24 to 48 hours. The measure is currently under review by traffic and public safety committees.