P.O. Box 3369
Anaheim, CA 92803-
3369
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
POLICE DEPARTMENT
DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2024
FROM: POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: ADD CHAPTER 14.72 TO THE ANAHEIM MUNICIPAL CODE
TO ADD MOTORIZED WHEEL CONVEYANCE (E-BIKES)
REGULATION
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 13
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Ordinance, add Chapter 14.72 to Title 14 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to motorized wheel conveyance (E-Bikes).
BACKGROUND:
The 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury report, titled "E-Bikes Friend or Foe,” examined the complex challenges posed by the increasing use of E-bikes. The report revealed a lack of uniform regulations across the county’s 34 cities, which often leads to inconsistent enforcement and public confusion. One of the Grand Jury’s recommendations was for cities across the county to adopt specific policies that define the rules of the road for the use of E-bikes in their communities. This draft ordinance aims to fulfill the recommendation from the Orange County Grand Jury, which was suggested to be completed by December 1, 2024.
DISCUSSION:
E-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances are gaining popularity in communities and on roadways. Anaheim has seen a notable increase in the use of various motorized conveyances, especially E-bikes. However, there is currently no Municipal Code in Anaheim that specifically regulates these conveyances. The California Vehicle Codes currently governing motorized conveyances vary by type, and some lack clear definitions. As E-bikes evolve beyond current state definitions, enforcing regulations related to licensing, age, and equipment has become increasingly difficult. Additionally, experts have differing interpretations of applicable laws, leading to uncertainty about which regulations to enforce.
To address these issues, updates to the City of Anaheim’s Municipal Code are necessary. The proposed ordinance, as provided in Attachment 1 (Ordinance) to this report, includes the following key components:
Add Chapter 14.72 to the Anaheim Municipal Code to Add Motorized Wheel Conveyance Regulation November 13, 2024
Clearly defines e-bikes and other motorized devices (e.g., motorized boards, scooters, mopeds, and pocket bikes) by class and sets operational standards
Prohibits unsafe operation of these devices on public streets, sidewalks, paths, trails, parks, and accessible private property.
Defines unsafe operation as:
o Swerving or bypassing stopped or slowed traffic intentionally. o Misusing a motorized device, such as carrying passengers on single-person conveyances.
o Disregarding posted signs or signals.
o Minors under 18 riding without a properly secured helmet. o Purposely lifting wheels off the ground while riding on public pathways.
o Performing acrobatic tricks or stunts.
o Operating in a way that endangers oneself or others.
o Riding against the flow of traffic.
o Using public drainage facilities, ditches, or channels. o Exceeding 20 MPH on public pathways or driving imprudently. o Not yielding to pedestrians.
o Exceeding 5 MPH on sidewalks.
o Riding while hitched to a moving vehicle.
o Allowing others to cling to the device while riding.
o Not yielding to pedestrians or vehicles when entering a road from a sidewalk.
o Ignoring posted signs that regulate device operation. o Riding in public parks as restricted by local code.
o Operating on unpaved trails meant for hiking, equestrian use, or walking.
o Exceeding 10 MPH on paved trails.
o Modifying a device to increase its speed without proper labeling. o Using a handheld device while riding, unless hands-free. o Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is punishable as a misdemeanor.
Provides an exemption to pedestrians who, due to physical disabilities, use self-propelled wheelchairs, motorized tricycles, or motorized quadricycles to move about.
These revisions would establish clear rules for E-bike use in Anaheim and provide the Police Department with the necessary municipal code to enforce safety regulations, ensuring the well-being of both residents and visitors. Adopting an ordinance that defines these conveyances would also help reduce confusion and consolidate unsafe practices into clear, straightforward guidelines. Furthermore, this ordinance would empower officers to issue civil or criminal citations as appropriate based on the situation.
Amend Chapter 14 of the Anaheim Municipal Code to add Motorized Wheel Conveyance Regulation November 13, 2024
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
There is no budgetary impact.
Respectfully submitted, Concurred by,
Rick P. Armendariz Rudy Emami
Chief of Police Director of Public Works
Attachment:
1. Ordinance