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July 8, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Electric Micromobility Vehicles: Consideration of Adopting an Electric Micromobility Vehicle Ordinance Report Number: 25-0173
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Manager, City Attorney, Police, & Engineering G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Place an ordinance on first reading adding Chapter 10.73 (Electric Micromobility Vehicles) and amending Chapters 10.08 (Defini tions) and 5.67 (Shared Micro -Mobility Device Pilot Program) of the Chula Vista Municipal Code, addressing rules governing the use of electric micromobility vehicles within the City (First Reading).
SUMMARY
Like many communities in our region, the City of Chula Vista has experienced a rise in the number of electric bicycles (“e-bikes”) and other electric micromobility vehicles operating on City streets, bike paths, and parks in recent years. As ridership has increased, so have complaints and concerns from the community regarding the safe operation of these vehicles. On January 7, 2025, the City Council referred a number of items related to the regulation of e-bikes to the City Manager. This item is responsive to the January referral.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined und er Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Thus, no environmental review is required.
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BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
Chula Vista has a long history of supporting and celebrating active transportation and environmental sustainability, including the adoption of a shared-micromobility device pilot program in 2019. In recent years, the growing popularity of e-bikes, motorized scooters, electrically motorized boards, and low -speed vehicles (together, “micromobility vehicles”) among school-aged youth has raised serious safety concerns in the community . Concerns voiced include lack of helmets, operation on sidewalks with potential for pedestrian collisions, reckless speeds and behaviors, inattention, and carrying too many passengers.
Of particular concern is the potentia l for serious injury in micromobility vehicle accidents. Micromobility vehicle injuries are more akin to traditional motor vehicle accidents, including internal bleeding, pelvic fractures, damage to vital organs, and brain trauma.
Injury and Accident Data
In September 2024, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (the “CPSC”) published “Micromobility Products-Related Deaths, Injuries, and Hazard Patterns: 2017 –2023,” reviewing injuries associated with micromobility vehicles at a national level 1. The CPSC report found that national micromobility vehicle injuries increased 158% between 2017 to 2023, equating to an average annual increase of 26%. The CPSC report also notes that children under 14 accounted for approximately 34% of injuries from 2017 to 2023, nearly double their 18% proportion of the U.S. population. In terms of scale, the CPSC report identified 373 fatalities associated with micromobility vehicles between 2017 and 2023 and nearly 450,000 emergency department visits associated with micromobility vehicles during the same period.
Similarly, a July 2024 study published by t he University of California , San Francisco, analyzed injuries and hospitalizations from e-bikes, electric scooters, conventional bicycles, and conventional scooters from 2017 to 2022 (the “UCSF Study”)2. The UCSF study identified a significant increase in micromobility injuries during the study period and called for adoption of additional safety measures. Of particular note, the UCSF Study found that electric vehicle riders overall were significantly less likely to wear a helmet at the time of injury (43% vs. 52%) and alcohol involvement during injury was more common among electric vehicle riders (16% vs. 7%)3.
Another study published in July 2024 by the American College of Surgeons looked at e -bike injuries and traffic violations throughout California, and in San Diego County specifically, for the period 2018 to 2023 (the “ACS Study”)4. The ACS Study found that e-bike injury incidents in California increased 18.6-fold over the 5- year study period, from 184 to 3,429 events. For these same incidents, the severity of injury was higher for
1 Tark, James, “Micromobility-Related Deaths, Injuries, and Hazard Patterns” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, September 2024. Online at https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Micromobility-Products-Related-Deaths-Injuries-and-Hazard-Patterns_2017- 2023.pdf
2 Fernandez AN, Li KD, Patel HV, et al. Injuries With Electric vs Conventional Scooters and Bicycles. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(7):e2424131. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.24131. Online at https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs- public/2020%20Age%20Determination%20Guidelines.pdf
3 E-bike = 7%, conventional bike = 4%, e-scooter = 9%, conventional scooter = 3%. 4 Maa, J., Doucet, J., Ignacio, R., Alfrey, E., “Electric Bikes Are Emerging as Public Health Hazard” American College of Surgeons Bulletin, July/August 2024. Online at https://www.facs.org/for-medical-professionals/news-publications/news-and- articles/bulletin/2024/julyaugust-2024-volume-109-issue-7/electric-bikes-are-emerging-as-public-health-hazard/ P a g e | 3
e-bikes than for traditional bicycles. The table below summarizes the ACS Study’s findings of traffic violations in San Diego County, which found unsafe speed to be the most common violation for e-bikes.
Table 1 – Top 3 Bicycle Traffic Violations, San Diego County Traditional Bicycle E-Bike
Improper Turn 18.6% Unsafe Speed 10.9%
Auto Right of Way 16.3% Improper Turn 9%
Unsafe Speed 16% Auto Right of Way 5.5%
Locally, the Chula Vista Fire Department responded to 16 incidents involving e-bikes during the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, 12 (75%) of which resulted in patients being transported to an emergency department for further assessment and treatment.
City Council Referral
At the January 7, 2025 , City Council meeting, Councilmember Inzunza introduced the recent passage of Assembly Bill No. 2234 (“ AB 2234 ”) and received Council consensus to refer the following to the City Manager:
1. Explore the creation of a policy prohibiting children under the age of 12 from riding e -bikes, as authorized by AB 2234; and
2. Create a bicycle education program in partnership with Sweetwater Union High School District.
The item before you tonight is responsive to the first part of the January referral.
Existing California Law
California Vehicle Code (“CVC”) Section 312.5 defines an “electric bicycle” as a bicycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power. This code section further defines and regulates the various classifications of e-bikes as follows:
Table 2 – Existing CVC E-Bike Regulations
Class Description
Maximum Speed
(miles per hour) Minimum Age
Helmet
Required
Class 1 Low-Speed Pedal-Assisted Electric Bicycle 20 mph No minimum age limit
Riders <18
years only Class 2 Low-Speed Throttle-Assisted Electric Bicycle 20 mph Class 3 Speed Pedal-Assisted Electric Bicycle 28 mph 16 years All ages All classes of e-bike are exempt from the motor vehicle financial responsibility, driver’s license, and license plate requirements that apply to vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.
Other relevant California Vehicle Code (“CVC”) provisions are summarized below:
1. CVC Section 21200. Electric bicycle riders are subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle. This includes prohibiting a rider from traveling at an unsafe speed for the conditions and stop sign requirements.
2. CVC Section 21201. Proper equipment is required, including brakes and lighting equipment at night.
3. CVC Section 21202. Riders must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge.
4. CVC Section 21204. Riders shall not allow double-riding.
5. CVC Section 21212. Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
6. CVC Section 21213. Persons under the age of 16 shall not operate Class 3 electric bicycles.
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7. CVC Section 24016(d) . Prohibits modifying electric bicycles to change speed capacity, unless the mandated classification sticker appropriately replaces the former label indicating lower capacity.
Assembly Bill No. 2234
On September 28, 2024, the Governor signed AB 2234 (Attachment 1), the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program, into law. AB 2234 authorized local agencies within the County of San Diego, or the County of San Diego in unincorporated areas, to adopt an ordinance or resolution that would prohibit a person under 12 years of age from operating a Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycle. This provision is consistent with guidance from the CPSC, which recommends that children under the age of 12 not operate any e-bike that travels more than 10 miles per hour5.
AB 2234 provided that for the first 60 days following the adoption of such an ordinance or resolution, violation of the ordinance or resolution would be punishable only by a warning notice. After the initial 60 days, violation of the ordinance or resolution would be punis hable by a fine of $25. AB 2234 provides that the parents or legal guardians of unemancipated minors who violate the ordinance or resolution can be held jointly and severally liable with the minor for the amount of the fine imposed.
In addition to addressing enforcement, AB 2234 requires certain reporting to the legislature by the County of San Diego, including the total number of traffic stops initiated for a violation of the ordinance or resolution, the results of those traffic stops, the actions taken by a peace officer during a traffic stop, and other relevant information. Lastly, AB 2234 requires the local authority to administer a public information campaign for at least 30 calendar days prior to the enactment of the ordinance or resolution , including but not limited to public announcements in major media outlets and press releases . The City’s public information campaign will be conducted during the 30 days following the second reading and adoption of the ordinance. As a pilot program, AB 2234’s provisions are in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date are repealed, unless the legislature takes action to extend the program.
Municipal Code Updates
In response to the January City Council referral, staff has drafted and recommends the City Council place an ordinance on first reading making the following changes to the Chula Vista Municipal Code (“CVMC”):
1. Add Chapter 10.73 (Electric Micromobility Vehicles);
2. Amend Chapter 10.08 (Vehicles and Traffic – Definitions); and
3. Amend Chapter 5.67 (Shared Micro-Mobility Device Pilot Program).
New Chapter 10.73
The new Chapter 10.73 (Electric Micromobility Vehicles) implements the provisions of AB 2234 and consolidates existing micromobility vehicle regulations in a single municipal code chapter. It also incorporates certain existing regulations from the CVC related to the operation of micromobility vehicles.
5 CPSC Staff Document, “Age Determination Guidelines: Relating Consumer Product Characteristics to the Skills, Play Behaviors, and Interests of Children” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, January 2020. Online at P a g e | 5
The operative provisions of Chapter 10.73 are summarized below:
10.73.030 Specifically exempts mobility assistance devices used by disabled persons and mobility devices used by public agency personnel in the scope of their official duties from the provisions of Chapter 10.73.
10.73.040 Establishes a minimum age of 12 years to operate or ride a Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycle within the City.
10.73.050 Prohibits operators under 18 years of age from transporting passengers on a micromobility vehicle and incorporates CVC Section 21204 related to passenger seats.
10.73.060 Incorporates and consolidates various CVC requirements that persons under 18 years of age operating any micromobility vehicle wear a bicycle helmet. Incorporates CVC Section 21213’s requirement that all persons, regardless of age, wear a helmet when operating or riding a Class 3 e-bike.
10.73.070 Requires the safe operati on of micromobility vehicles, to be based upon the circumstances and conditions then existing.
10.73.080 Establishes prohibitions and restrictions related to the use, riding, and operation of micromobility vehicles, including:
Prohibits operation of micromobility vehicles on sidewalks in business districts or in other areas when signs are posted by the City Engineer. Prohibits operation of Class 3 e-bikes on sidewalks.
Prohibits operation of motorized scooters on sidewalks, on roads without a striped bicycle lane, and on roads where the posted speed limit is 40 miles per hour or greater.
Clarifies that the 15 mile per hour maximum speed for operation of motorized scooters applies regardless o f a higher speed limit that may be applicable to the highway they are operating on.
Clarifies that persons operating micromobility vehicles on sidewalks shall yield right- of-way to persons not operating such vehicles.
10.73.090 Prohibits micromobility vehi cles in City -owned parking structures, with reasonable exceptions.
10.73.100 Clarifies that operation of micromobility vehicles in parks and other City facilities is governed by CVMC Chapter 2.66.
10.73.110 Gives the City Engineer the authority to designate and establish micromobility vehicle parking spaces and establishes regulations related to the parking of micromobility vehicles.
10.73.120 Establishes penalties for violations of Chapter 10.73, including the 60-day warning period required under AB 2234.
10.73.130 Establishes the effective date for the ordinance, to be 30 days after second reading and adoption. Currently estimated as August 21, 2025.
10.73.140 Recognizes and incorporates the January 1, 2029, sunset of AB 2234.
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Amendments to Chapters 10.08 and 5.67
The proposed a mendments to Chapters 10.08 and 5.67 add and update certain defined terms and repeal CVMC Section 5.67.090 (Prohibited areas of use) in its entirety (updated and moved to new CVMC Se ction
10.73.080).
Next Steps
If the Council places the ordinance on first reading this evening, staff anticipates bringing it back for a second reading and adoption on July 22, 2025, to be effective August 21, 2025 (30 days after second reading).
A public education campaign, to include in -person and virtual meetings, an informational website, social media postings, and traditional media outreach, is currently in development.
Staff will also continue to work on a micromobility vehicle education campaign wit h both the Chula Vista Elementary School District and Sweetwater Union High School District, in response to the January City Council referral.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Current-year net fiscal impacts are anticipated to be minimal and will be absorbed in the existing budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Actual ongoing fiscal impacts will vary. Expenses will vary based upon time expended by staff in conducting outreach, education, and enforcement. These expenses will be offset to some degree by citations issued for violations of Chapter 10.73.
Staff will monitor program costs and citation revenues and may return with adjustments to penalties and/or additional fees in the future, if appropriate.
ATTACHMENTS
1. AB 2234 Bill Text
Staff Contact: Tiffany Allen, Assistant City Manager
Dan Peak, Assistant Chief of Police
Eddie Flores, Assistant Director of Engineering
Nicole Carnahan, Deputy City Attorney III