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ORDINANCE NO. 2026-004
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHINO,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 10.56 OF THE CHINO MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ADDRESS BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOTORIZED
SCOOTERS, AND REGULATED MOBILITY DEVICES; ESTABLISH
REGULATIONS FOR THE SAME; UPDATE ENFORCEMENT, PENALTY, AND IMPOUND PROVISIONS; AND REMOVE OUTDATED BICYCLE LICENSING
REQUIREMENTS
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Constitution Article XI Section 7, the City of Chino (“City”), the City has police power to make and enforce all ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws; and
WHEREAS, the use of bicycles, electric bicycles, motorized scooters, off-highway electric motorcycles, and other regulated mobility devices has increased within the City; and WHEREAS, these types of mobility devices provide transportation and recreational benefits when operated safely and lawfully; and
WHEREAS, dangerous operation of these types of mobility devices, such as speeding, failure to obey traffic laws, traveling against designated traffic flow, unlawful passengers, and stunt riding, creates significant risks to the community; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Chino (“City Council”) strives to promote and improve the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City’s residents; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend the Chino Municipal Code to incorporate clear local regulations concerning the operation of these types of mobility devices and align with state law; and
WHEREAS, prior to adoption, the City provided all required public notice and held a duly noticed public hearing at which time members of the public had the opportunity to review the documents presented to the City Council and provide oral comments regarding the proposed ordinance; and
WHEREAS, all of the legal prerequisites to adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHINO DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The City Council finds that the foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 2. Amendment. Chapter 10.56 (Bicycles) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the City of Chino Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:
“Chapter 10.56 Bicycles, Electric Bicycles, Motorized Scooters, and Regulated Mobility Devices
Sections:
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10.56.010 Purpose and Scope.
A. This chapter regulates the operation, parking, storage, and enforcement of regulated mobility devices within the City of Chino.
B. This chapter applies to any regulated mobility device operated upon any public street, highway, sidewalk, bicycle lane, bicycle path, public trail, park, public facility, City-owned property, or private property open to the public for pedestrian or vehicular travel.
C. Nothing in this chapter is intended to conflict with or supersede the California Vehicle Code.
Where state law controls, state law shall govern.
10.56.020 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
“Bicycle” means a device upon which a person may ride that is propelled by human power through a belt, chain, gears, or similar mechanism, and has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 231, as it may be amended from time to time. “Electric bicycle” or “e-bike” means a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts, and has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 312.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Class 1 electric bicycle” means a low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle and has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 312.5(a)(1), as it may be amended from time to time.
“Class 2 electric bicycle” means a low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle and has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 312.5(a)(2), as it may be amended from time to time.
“Class 3 electric bicycle” means a speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle and has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 312.5(a)(3), as it may be amended from time to time.
“Electrically motorized board” means the same as in California Vehicle Code section 313, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Motorized scooter” means the same as in California Vehicle Code section 407.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Motorized bicycle” or “moped” means the same as in California Vehicle Code section 406, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Motor vehicle” means the same as in California Vehicle Code section 415, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Motorcycle” means the same as in California Vehicle Code section 400, as it may be amended from time to time.
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"Off-highway motorcycle" means the same as in California Vehicle Code section 436, as it may be amended from time to time.
"Off-highway electric motorcycle" means the same as in California Vehicle Code section 436.1, as it may be amended from time to time.
"Pocket bike" means the same as in the California Vehicle Code section 473, as may be amended from time to time.
“Regulated mobility device” means any bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, skateboard, electrically motorized board, pocket bike, motorized bicycle, or other similar motorized or non- motorized device used for transportation or recreation. “Unregulated conveyance” means any regulated mobility device that does not meet the standards of devices as defined in the California Vehicle Code.
10.56.030 Voluntary Bicycle Registration.
A. Residents are encouraged, but not required, to register bicycles with the City or with a recognized bicycle registration service to assist in identifying the rightful owner of a lost, stolen, recovered, or involved bicycle.
B. Any mandatory bicycle licensing provisions previously contained in this chapter are repealed.
C. The Police Department may continue to provide voluntary bicycle registration services as approved by the Chief of Police.
10.56.040 Applicability of Traffic Laws.
A. Every person operating a regulated mobility device upon a street, highway, bicycle lane, bicycle or path, or sidewalk shall comply with all applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code and this chapter.
B. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code section 21113, the City may enforce applicable traffic laws upon driveways, paths, parking facilities, parks, and grounds under the control of the City where public traffic is permitted.
C. Nothing in this chapter prohibits police, fire, public works, community services, or other authorized public agency personnel from operating any vehicles or mobility devices in the performance of official duties.
10.56.050 Equipment and Classification.
A. Electric bicycles shall comply with all applicable equipment, visibility, labeling, manufacturing, and operational requirements under state and federal law.
B. No person shall tamper with, modify, or alter an electric bicycle in a manner that changes the speed capability or classification of the electric bicycle unless the device is lawfully reclassified and labeled as required by state law.
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C. Any device that exceeds the legal speed, power, equipment, or operational limitations of an electric bicycle may be treated as a motor vehicle, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, off-highway vehicle, or unregulated conveyance, as applicable under state law.
10.56.060 Helmet Requirements.
A. Any person under 18 years of age operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle or electric bicycle shall wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards as required by California Vehicle Code section 21212.
B. No person shall operate a Class 3 electric bicycle or ride as a passenger on a Class 3 electric bicycle without wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards as required by California Vehicle Code section 21213.
C. This section shall be enforced consistent with state law.
10.56.070 Speed.
A. No person shall operate any regulated mobility device at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under existing conditions, including pedestrian traffic, vehicular traffic, surface conditions, lighting, visibility, weather, and the width of the area being used.
B. No person shall operate a bicycle or electric bicycle on a sidewalk at a speed greater than 8 miles per hour, and in no event at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under existing conditions.
C. No person shall operate a regulated mobility device on a sidewalk adjacent to a school, park, community center, senior facility, or other high-pedestrian areas at a speed greater than 5 miles per hour when pedestrians or children are present.
DB. No person shall operate a regulated mobility device on a bicycle path, trail, or shared-use path at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour unless otherwise posted on signs, and in no event at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under the existing conditions, or at any speed which endangers the safety of the public or property.
EC. Nothing in this section authorizes operation of any device in any location where such operation is prohibited by state law, this code, or posted signs.
10.56.080 Operation on Sidewalks.
A. Bicycles may be operated on sidewalks unless prohibited by posted signs or other provisions of this code.
B. Where a designated bicycle lane has been established, a person shall not operate a bicycle or electric bicycle on a sidewalk.
C. Other regulated mobility devices may be operated on sidewalks only where not prohibited by posted signs or other provisions of this code, and only in a manner that does not endanger pedestrians or property.
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D. The operator of any regulated mobility device on a sidewalk shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and shall provide an audible warning before overtaking or passing pedestrians.
E. As authorized and provided in Section 10.08.030, the Public Works Director, or the Director’s designee, may install traffic-control devices or signals pertaining to the operation of regulated mobility devices.
10.56.090 080 Unlawful Operation.
A. It is unlawful for any person to operate a regulated mobility device on a sidewalk or in an unsafe manner on any street, highway, sidewalk, bicycle lane, bicycle path, trail, park, public facility, City- owned property, or private property open to the public.
B. Unsafe operation includes, but is not limited to:
1. Operating in violation of the California Vehicle Code or this chapter.
2. Operating against the direction of traffic on a street, highway, bicycle lane, or roadway.
3. Failing to obey traffic-control devices or posted signs.
4. Failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
5. Entering a roadway, driveway, or parking lot from a sidewalk or path without yielding to vehicles, pedestrians, or other lawful users.
6. Operating at a speed unsafe for conditions.
7. Carrying a passenger on a device not designed for passengers.
8. Carrying a passenger who is not seated in a lawful and manufacturer-approved passenger location.
9. Operating while a person is clinging to or being pulled by another moving vehicle or device.
10. Towing, being towed, or attaching the device to any moving vehicle or device.
11. Operating upon any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, channel, landscaped area, sports field, court, playground, or other area not designated for such use.
12. Performing wheelies, stunts, tricks, acrobatics, racing, or speed contests where pedestrians, vehicles, or other persons are present or where such conduct creates a risk to persons or property.
13. Operating in a group in a manner that obstructs traffic, blocks sidewalks, interferes with pedestrians, or creates a foreseeable collision risk.
14. Tampering with or modifying a regulated mobility device so as to change the speed capability of such device, or otherwise altering, modifying, or adjusting the device in a way so that it no longer qualifies as a lawful device.
15. Operating any regulated mobility device in a park, trail, or public facility where such operation is expressly prohibited by a posted sign or City regulation.
16. Operating in any other manner that endangers the safety of the operator, passengers, pedestrians, motorists, or property.
10.56.100 090 Parks, Trails, and Public Facilities.
A. No person shall operate a regulated mobility device in a City park, public trail, public facility, sports field, court, playground, landscaped area, open space area except on roads, paths, trails, parking lots, areas designated for such use, or areas otherwise prohibited from operation of a regulated mobility device.
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B. No person shall operate a Regulated regulated mobility devices shall not be operated within City parks, trails, open space, or public facilities except where expressly authorized by law, permit, posted designation, or City approval.
10.56.1010 Parking and Obstruction.
A. No person shall leave a regulated mobility device lying on its side or parked in a manner that obstructs pedestrian travel, ADA access, vehicle travel, emergency access, building entrances, driveways, ramps, crosswalks, or transit stops.
B. No person shall park or leave any regulated mobility device on private property open to the public in a manner that obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
C. Devices parked or left in violation of this section may be relocated, stored, or impounded as authorized by law.
10.56.1120 Responsibility of Parent or Legal Guardian.
A. The parent or legal guardian of any minor shall not authorize, knowingly permit, or knowingly allow the minor to violate any provision of this chapter.
B. A parent or legal guardian may be cited when evidence shows the parent or legal guardian knowingly authorized or permitted the violation.
C. This section shall not be interpreted to impose strict liability on a parent or legal guardian for a minor’s conduct they did not authorize, permit, or have reason to know would occur.
10.56.1230 Enforcement and Penalties.
A. Unless otherwise required by state law, a violation of this chapter may be enforced as an administrative citation, infraction, or misdemeanor at the discretion of the City Attorney, prosecuting authority, or peace officer based on the facts and circumstances.
B. Administrative Fines
Administrative fines for violations of this chapter shall be consistent with Chapter 1.15 and the City’s established administrative citation schedule for violations that would otherwise constitute infractions, as follows:
First violation: $100
Second violation of the same ordinance within one year: $200 Each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year: $500 C. Where state law establishes a different penalty, state law shall control.
D. In lieu of a fine or citation, the Chief of Police or designee may allow a violator to complete an approved bicycle, e-bike, or other related safety course with a parent or legal guardian present.
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E. For juvenile offenders, the Police Department may prioritize education, parental notification, and safety-course completion before monetary penalties, unless the violation caused injury, property damage, reckless operation, or substantial public safety risk.
10.56.1340 Storage, Removal, and Impound.
A. In addition to any other penalty that may be assessed pursuant to this code, a peace officer or authorized City employee may remove, store, or impound a regulated mobility device when authorized by the California Vehicle Code, this code, or other applicable law.
B. Removal or impound may be authorized when:
1. The device is operated in violation of this chapter and creates an immediate or substantial risk to public safety.
2. The device is one that does not qualify as a lawful electric bicycle and is being operated without proper registration, licensing, or equipment as required by law.
3. The device is a Class 3 electric bicycle operated by a person under 16 years of age.
4. The device is used in reckless operation, speed contests, stunt riding, or unsafe group riding creating a foreseeable collision risk.
5. The device is abandoned, obstructing pedestrian or vehicular access, or unlawfully parked.
6. Removal is otherwise authorized by California Vehicle Code section 22651.08, California Vehicle Code section 22651, or other applicable law.
C. The City may recover actual administrative costs related to removal, seizure, storage, processing, and release, provided such charges are adopted by resolution or included in the City’s current approved fee schedule, as may be updated from time to time, and do not exceed actual costs.
D. If a device is removed pursuant to California Vehicle Code section 22651.08, release shall comply with that section, including any applicable minimum storage period, payment of lawful costs, and safety-course completion requirements.
E. Nothing in this section limits the City’s authority to dispose of abandoned property in accordance with applicable law.
10.56.1450 Exemptions.
This chapter does not apply to:
A. Police, fire, public works, community services, or other public agency personnel acting within the performance and scope of official duties.
B. Mobility devices used in a safe manner by physically disabled persons as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and otherwise protected by federal or state disability law.
C. City-approved events, demonstrations, trainings, or programs operating under permit or written authorization.
10.56.1560 Severability.
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If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this chapter is held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.”
SECTION 3. Except as otherwise amended herein, the remainder of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) of the City of Chino Municipal Code shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. CEQA. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Title 14 §1500 et seq.), the City Council finds that this Ordinance is exempt from CEQA. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), this Ordinance is covered by the common sense exemption because the proposed changes do not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Furthermore, the proposed changes do not constitute a “project” under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), which excludes the “organizational or administrative activities of government that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.” SECTION 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, paragraph, or phrase of this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable by any court of any competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have enacted each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, paragraph, or phrase thereof, irrespective of any determination of validity.
SECTION 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its second reading and adoption.
SECTION 7. Certification. The City Clerk of the City of Chino shall certify as to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published and posted at the designated locations in the City of Chino.
ADOPTED, SIGNED, and APPROVED this ___ day of ________, 2026.
_____________________________
Eunice Ulloa, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Natalie Gonzaga, City Clerk
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF SAN BERNARDINO ) §
CITY OF CHINO )
I, Natalie Gonzaga, CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF CHINO, CALIFORNIA, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2026-_____ was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Chino at a regular meeting held _____ day of _________, 2026, by the following votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_____________________________
Natalie Gonzaga, City Clerk