CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
December 3, 2024 {{section.number}}{{item.number}}
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORONADO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 56.02.020 RELATING TO DEFINITIONS OF MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICES, AMENDING SECTION 56.08.060 RELATED TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES, AND ADDING SECTIONS 56.18.050 AND 56.18.060 TO
THE CORONADO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICES AND
ADOPTION OF AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE SAFETY PILOT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION:
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2024-09 “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, Amending Section 56.02.020 Relating To Definitions of Motorized Mobility Devices, Amending Section 56.08.060 Related to Electric Bicycles, and Adding Sections 56.18.050 and 56.18.060 to the Coronado Municipal Code Related to Motorized Mobility Devices and Adoption of an Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program.” BACKGROUND:
At the November 19, 2024 meeting, the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 2024-09 to regulate motorized mobility devices and adopt an Electric Bicycle Safety Program.
ANALYSIS:
The growth of the use of e-bikes locally along with other forms of motorized personal transportation merit adoption of additional regulations in order to protect the safety of pedestrians in certain environments as outlined below with a continued focus on public education. Ordinance 2024-09 provides for the following:
1. Regulating “Motorized Mobility Devices” in the following locations with exemptions for public agency personnel and disability accommodations:
• All City sidewalks
• The Paseo (near the Hotel del Coronado) and the Boardwalk (near the Coronado Shores) • The Promenade along the Glorietta Bay Marina between Glorietta Bay Park and the Bluewater Grill
Users would be required to dismount and walk their motorized mobility devices or utilize nearby roadways. “Motorized Mobility Devices” are defined as electric bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electrically motorized boards, motorized scooters and other similar vehicles.
While they provide recreational opportunities, their popularity increases the probability, likelihood, and gravity of potential injuries to persons and property that warrants reasonable measures and enforcement mechanisms to avoid conflicts.
2. Implementing AB 2234 (Boerner) “Vehicles: Electric Bicycles” Prohibiting E-Bike Use by those Under 12 Years Old
AB 2234 (Boerner) was chaptered into law as an amendment to California Vehicle Code 21214.7 and will be effective January 1, 2025. The bill establishes a “San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program” until January 1, 2029 that authorizes a local government in San Diego County to adopt an ordinance or resolution that would prohibit a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle (note that class 3 bicycles can be only operated by those 16 years and older under the Vehicle Code). The jurisdiction must administer a public information campaign of the resolution or ordinance for at least 30 days before enactment. For the first 60 days after enactment, only warnings of violations may be issued. After 60 days, the violation shall be $25.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be minimal fiscal impact associated with publicizing the prohibition of e-bike operations by those under 12. Outreach and enforcement efforts can be achieved with existing budget.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council may alter prior policy direction or choose not to adopt the ordinance.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
In lieu of publication of the ordinance in its entirety, the City Clerk will publish a summary of the ordinance a minimum of five days prior to adoption, and again within 15 days after adoption of the ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance 2024-09 Related to Electric Bicycles, Motorized Mobility Devices and the Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program (AB 2234)
Submitted By: City Manager's Office / Tony Winney