DATE: 04/15/2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Police Department
2026-139
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBJECT:
AMEND CORONA MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 10.48 TO INCLUDE ELECTRIC
BICYCLES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report asks the City Council to provide direction to staff to amend Corona Municipal Code (CMC) Chapter 10.48 to define and regulate electric bicycles (e-bikes), update prohibited riding behavior language and add sidewalk riding restrictions to improve public safety.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council provide direction to staff regarding the preferred language and approach for amending CMC Chapter 10.48.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
CMC Chapter 10.48 regulates bicycles but does not mention electric bicycles, which are now defined by California Vehicle Code Section 312.5(a) in three classes based on speed and operation. E-bike collisions in Corona have risen from zero in 2020 to 25 in 2025, with juvenile involvement increasing, while traditional bike collisions remain steady. The CMC's language on prohibited behavior is vague and lacks clear examples of unsafe riding on the roadway and sidewalks.
ANALYSIS:
After reviewing collision data, identifying primary causes of collisions and assessing the community driven complaints regarding e-bikes, staff has identified three amendments to CMC 10.48 to improve e-bike safety in the community. First, the general operational procedures language should be updated to integrate e-bikes, as the current code addresses only traditional bicycles. Second, Section 10.48.130(P) should be amended to enumerate specific prohibited behaviors, replacing vague language with clear prohibitions against intentionally swerving around stopped or slowed traffic, lifting one or more wheels into the air while riding, and riding without a properly fitted helmet when under 18 years of age. Third, Section 10.48.130(I) should be amended to include additional safety requirements when riding on sidewalks where the CMC currently allows it.
The proposed changes will require e-bike operators to:
1. Yield to pedestrians and exercise due caution when riding on sidewalks.
2. Provide an audible signal before overtaking and passing pedestrians on sidewalks.
3. Operate at a maximum speed of 10 MPH on sidewalks, and
4. Where sidewalk riding is allowed, bicycle/e-bike riders must travel in the same direction as vehicular traffic when riding on sidewalks.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with the recommended actions.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This action is to provide direction to amend Corona Municipal Code and there is no possibility that approving the recommended action will have a significant effect on the environment.
PREPARED BY: JASON PEREZ, POLICE CAPTAIN
REVIEWED BY: ROBERT NEWMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit 1 – Electric Bicycles CMC 10.48 Presentation