A recent report from the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has revealed a troubling rise in injuries related to micromobility vehicles across the United States, soaring by 158% from 2017 to 2023. More concerning is that children under the age of 14 accounted for over one-third of these injuries. In response to this alarming trend, Chula Vista has taken decisive action by officially banning young children from riding e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar electric vehicles.
On Tuesday, in a final vote, the Chula Vista City Council unanimously passed new restrictions on what it terms ‘electric micromobility vehicles.’ This category includes lightweight, low-speed electric vehicles such as e-bikes, motorized scooters, and electrically motorized boards.
Under the newly enacted ordinance, children under the age of 12 are prohibited from using Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. These categories represent pedal- and throttle-assisted vehicles that can reach speeds of up to 20 mph, as outlined by California state regulations.
The classifications of e-bikes are as follows: Class 1 represents a low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling; it ceases assistance once the bicycle reaches 20 mph. Class 2, on the other hand, is a throttle-assisted electric bicycle that can function solely on the motor without any requirement for pedaling, also ceasing assistance at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes can travel at speeds of up to 28 mph but are restricted from being used on certain bicycle paths unless explicitly permitted. Additionally, riders of Class 3 e-bikes must be at least 16 years old.
Moreover, the ordinance extends its purview to motorized bicycles, which can travel up to 30 mph and come equipped with fully operative pedals. Specific licensing is required for these vehicles.
In addition to banning young children from using electric micromobility vehicles, the council has made it illegal for anyone to knowingly allow children under 12 to ride. Furthermore, transporting passengers on these vehicles is prohibited for individuals under 18.
Additional measures include restrictions on using all types of e-bikes on sidewalks in business districts and along roads with speed limits of 40 mph or greater. Helmets are mandated for all riders under the age of 18. However, there is an exception for individuals with disabilities who use mobility devices such as motorized wheelchairs or seated scooters.
To give residents time to adapt to these changes, the council has extended the original grace period to 90 days before the Chula Vista Police Department will begin enforcing the new rules. Violators may face fines between $25 and $250 or the possibility of having their vehicles impounded. For those struggling financially, there is an option to attend traffic school in lieu of penalties.
Councilmember Michael Inzunza, who proposed the ordinance, pointed to two recent tragic incidents in Chula Vista involving micromobility vehicles: the fatal accident of an 8-year-old boy struck by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter, and a similar fate for a 27-year-old on an e-bike. “These things are dangerous,” Inzunza stated, emphasizing the need for the new regulations.
During discussions surrounding the enforcement of the ordinance, Councilmember Carolina Chavez raised concerns regarding how the police would implement these new rules. Chula Vista Assistant Police Chief Dan Peak clarified that officers would not actively seek out minors under the age of 12 but would respond to reports of unsafe riding behavior. He anticipated collaboration with local schools, where school resource officers could help educate young riders on the new laws.
Moreover, minors who receive a citation for the first time can apply for safety training within 180 days, providing proof of completion to avoid having the citation reported. Additionally, first-time offenders who receive a $25 ticket can also opt for safety training within 120 days, ensuring that these incidents are not a permanent mark on their records.
As Chula Vista embarks on implementing this new safety ordinance, the aim remains clear: to enhance safety for young riders and the general public in the face of rising incidents associated with electric micromobility vehicles.
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