CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #B2
DATE: August 26, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Ernesto Marquez, City Manager
BY: Steve Gomez, Director of Public Safety & Community Relations RECOMMENDATION:
RECOMMENDATION TO ADOPT ON SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY, ORDINANCE NO. 2026-626, ADDING CHAPTER 12.22 TO TITLE XII OF THE
HAWAIIAN GARDENS MUNICIPAL CODE, REGULATING THE USE OF ELECTRIC
BICYCLES AND OTHER ELECTRIC MOBILITY DEVICES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
AND WITHIN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
SUMMARY
The use of electric bicycles and other electric mobility devices has grown in popularity in the City, and throughout the state. While these devices provide transportational and recreational benefits, their use on public property and within the public right-of-way can create safety concerns for pedestrians, motorists, and other riders. Additionally, electric mobility devices that are not operated responsibly can cause significant damage to personal and real property.
As a result, staff recommends adopting the proposed ordinance, which would add Chapter 12.22 to Title XII of the City’s Municipal Code. Chapter 12.22 would incorporate and regulate the use of electric mobility devices on public property and within the public right-of-way.
The proposed ordinance would prohibit the operation of electric mobility devices on public property or within the public right of way, unless (1) their use is specifically authorized by the City; or (2) they are being operated on a public highway, street, roadway, or designated bicycle lane, pursuant to state and federal law.
The proposed ordinance would also prohibit the operation of electric mobility devices in an “unsafe manner”. “Unsafe manner” is broadly defined and the following acts are Agenda Item #B2
August 26, 2026
included as examples of what may be considered operating an electric mobility devices in an “unsafe manner”:
1. Intentionally lifting one or more wheels into the air while operating an electric mobility device;
2. Operating an electric mobility device on a public highway, street, roadway, or designated bicycle lane against the flow of traffic or without regarding for surrounding vehicular traffic and pedestrians;
3. Intentionally swerving or riding around traffic;
4. Carrying more passengers than an electric mobility device is intended to carry;
5. Not obeying posted signs or traffic lights;
6. Operating an electric mobility device while using any handheld electronic device;
7. Operating an electric mobility device on a public sidewalk or on public property, unless specifically authorized to do;
8. Operating an electric mobility device while another individual who is not riding on the electric mobility device is clinging, or attaching oneself, to the electric mobility device;
9. Operating an electric mobility device in a manner that poses a risk of injury to pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists, or other persons; or
10.Operating an electric mobility device in a manner that actually causes injury to another person or damage to personal or real property.
Additionally, the proposed ordinance states that the City will be authorized to post signs about where operating electric mobility device is and is not permitted or regulated.
However, the presence or absence of such signage will not be a defense to a potential violation of this ordinance.
Furthermore, this proposed ordinance includes exemptions for use of electric mobility device by law enforcement, or other authorized government personnel; persons who rely on electric mobility devices for medical purposes; persons transporting electric mobility devices without actively operating them; and persons operating electric mobility devices in designated areas pursuant to applicable law.
Finally, violations of the proposed ordinance may result in the issuance of a citation.
Violations are also considered misdemeanors. Each act, occurrence, or incident in violation of the ordinance constitutes a separate offense.
Agenda Item #B2
August 26, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
To be determined based on compliance with the enforced violation citations. Any violation of this article is deemed an infraction punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000). A second, and any subsequent, violation of this article shall be punishable by a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve Recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Ordinance No. 2026-626