Agenda Report
Fullerton City Council
MEETING DATE: February 3, 2026
TO: CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY
SUBMITTED BY: jon radus, chief of police
PREPARED BY: TIMOTHY PETROPULOS, TRAFFIC BUREAU COMMANDER SUBJECT: FULLERTON MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS, REGULATING E-BIKES AND OTHER ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION DEVICES IN THE CITY
SUMMARY
An ordinance establishing regulations for operation of electric bicycles and other electric transportation conveyances.
PROPOSED MOTION
Introduce Ordinance No. XXXX for first reading by title only and waive further reading of the ordinance.
ORDINANCE NO. XXXX – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, ADDING FULLERTON MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 8 (TRAFFIC) CHAPTER 8.90 (ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND OTHER ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION CONVEYANCES) TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR OPERATION OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES AND OTHER ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION CONVEYANCES IN THE CITY
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Approve the Proposed Motion
Other options brought by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Proposed Motion.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
None.
PRIORITY POLICY STATEMENT
This item matches the following Priority Policy Statements:
Infrastructure and City Assets
Public Safety.
FISCAL IMPACT
The recommended action could generate a modest increase in City revenue, particularly in the months following ordinance adoption as the City begins citing violators and collecting administrative citations. Impound fees would recoup administrative costs for impounding E-Bikes and other electric transportation devices. Ultimately, the City strives for compliance, not revenue, with this Ordinance.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The 2023-24 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 34 Orange County cities which often leads to inconsistent enforcement and public confusion. The Grand Jury recommended cities across the county adopt specific policies that define rules for E-Bike use in their communities. This draft ordinance fulfills the Orange County Grand Jury recommendation.
E-Bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances are gaining popularity in communities and on roadways. Fullerton has seen a notable increase in the use of various motorized conveyances, especially E-Bikes. However, Fullerton does not have Municipal Code language specifically regulating these conveyances. The California Vehicle Code governs motorized conveyances vary by type and some lack clear definitions. Enforcing regulations related to licensing, age and equipment has become increasingly difficult as E-Bikes evolve beyond current state definitions. Additionally, experts have differing interpretations of applicable laws, leading to uncertainty about which regulations to enforce.
To address these issues, staff proposes updating the City of Fullerton Municipal Code with the following key components:
Clearly define E-Bikes and other motorized devices (e.g. motorized boards, scooters, mopeds and pocket bikes) by class and set operational standards.
Legal E-Bikes:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only, limited to 20 mph
Class 2: Pedal-assist plus throttle, also limited to 20 mph Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph
Prohibit unsafe operation of these devices on public streets, sidewalks, paths, trails, parks and accessible private property.
Define unsafe operation as:
Swerving or bypassing stopped or slowed traffic intentionally.
Misusing a motorized device, such as carrying passengers on single-person conveyances.
Disregarding posted signs or signals.
Purposely lifting wheels off the ground while riding on public pathways.
Performing acrobatic tricks or stunts.
Operating in a way that endangers oneself or others.
Using public drainage facilities, ditches or channels.
Not yielding to pedestrians.
Exceeding 10 mph on sidewalks.
Riding while hitched to a moving vehicle.
Allowing others to cling to the device while riding.
Ignoring posted signs that regulate device operation.
Riding in public parks as restricted by local code.
Exceeding 10 mph on unpaved trails meant for hiking, equestrian use or walking.
Exceeding 15 mph on paved trails.
Using a handheld device while riding, unless hands-free.
Provide 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 Fullerton 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.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Presentation
Attachment 2 – Draft Ordinance
cc: Interim City Manager Eddie Manfro
Proposed E-Bikes / Electric Transportation Regulations
February 3, 2026 - Page 2