ITEM 4. 3
CITY MANAGER' S REPORT
JUNE 8, 2026, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
ITEM: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE
26- 482 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LATHROP TO AMEND LATHROP MUNICIPAL CODE
LMC) SECTIONS 9. 28. 010 THROUGH 9. 28. 030 AND
ADD SECTIONS 9. 28. 040 AND 9. 28. 050 RELATING TO
ENFORCEMENT ALTERNATIVES AND PROHIBITED
USE OF BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOTORIZE
SCOOTERS, MOTORIZED BICYCLES, POCKET BIKES,
AND SIMILAR DEVICES
RECOMMENDATION: Waive Full Reading and Adopt Ordinance 26- 482 to Amend Lathrop Municipal Code ( LMC) Sections
9. 28. 010 through 9. 28. 030 and Add Sections
9. 28. 040 and 9. 28. 050 relating to Enforcement
Alternatives and Prohibited Use Of Bicycles, Electric
Bicycles, Motorize Scooters, Motorized Bicycles,
Pocket Bikes, and Similar Devices
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The City Council to conduct a second reading and adopt Ordinance 26- 482 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LATHROP TO AMEND LATHROP MUNICIPAL CODE ( LMC) SECTIONS 9. 28. 010 THROUGH 9. 28. 030 AND ADD SECTIONS 9. 28. 040 AND 9. 28. 050 RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT
ALTERNATIVES AND PROHIBITED USE OF BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES,
MOTORIZE SCOOTERS, MOTORIZED BICYCLES, POCKET BIKES, AND SIMILAR
DEVICES
SUMMARY:
On May 11, 2026, the City Council approved the introduction and first reading of the subject Ordinance by the following vote:
AYES: Diallo, Dresser, Torres - O' Callaghan, and Akinjo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Lazard
The Ordinance will take effect 30 days after adoption.
SUBMITTED BY:
resa Vargasjity Clerk
60/*
Date
ORDINANCE NO. 26- 482
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LATHROP TO AMEND LATHROP MUNICIPAL CODE ( LMC) SECTIONS 9. 28. 010 THROUGH 9. 28. 030 AND ADD SECTIONS 9. 28. 040 AND 9. 28. 050 RELATING TO ENFORCEMENT
ALTERNATIVES AND PROHIBITED USE OF BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES,
MOTORIZE SCOOTERS, MOTORIZED BICYCLES, POCKET BIKES, AND
SIMILAR DEVICES
WHEREAS, the City of Lathrop adopted Lathrop Municipal Code Chapter 9. 28 regulating bicycles used in violation of the California Vehicle Code; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to update and expand Chapter
9. 28 to reflect the increased use of electric bicycles, motorized scooters, motorized bicycles, pocket bikes, and similar devices within the City; and WHEREAS, these devices are increasingly being operated on sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, parks, and other public areas in a manner that creates safety concerns for pedestrians and other users of public space; and WHEREAS, the City has experienced ongoing concerns involving pedestrian safety, including conflicts between device operators and pedestrians, reckless riding, and unsafe speeds in residential and public spaces; and WHEREAS, Chapter 9. 28 requires updated definitions consistent with the California Vehicle Code to ensure proper enforcement and clarity; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it necessary to expand enforcement authority to include electric bicycles, motorized scooters, motorized bicycles, pocket bikes, and similar devices when used in violation of State law or City regulations; and WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that educational alternatives for firsttime offenders may promote compliance and reduce repeat violations; and WHEREAS, these amendments will provide the Police Department with enhanced tools to enforce safe operation standards while encouraging education and voluntary compliance; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish clear prohibitions on unsafe operation of these devices on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways to protect public safety; and
WHEREAS, these amendments are intended to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, visitors, and pedestrians within the City of Lathrop.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, that the City Council of the City of Lathrop hereby amend Chapter 9. 28 as Follows:
Ordinance No. 26- 482
Section 1. Amendment of LMC Chapter 9. 28
Lathrop Municipal Code Chapter 9. 28 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
CHAPTER 9. 28
BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOTORIZED SCOOTERS, MOTORIZED BICYCLES,
POCKET BIKES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES USED IN VIOLATION OF THE CALIFORNIA
VEHICLE CODE
9. 28. 010. Definitions.
Bicycle" means a device upon which any person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears, having one or more wheels. An electric bicycle is a bicycle.
Electric bicycle" shall have the same meaning as provided in California Vehicle Code Section 312. 5, as may be amended from time to time, and means a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts.
Motorized scooter" shall have the same meaning as provided in California Vehicle Code Section 407. 5, as may be amended from time to time, and means any two - wheeled device with handlebars, a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding, and powered by an electric motor.
Motorized bicycle" shall have the same meaning as provided in California Vehicle Code Section 406, as may be amended from time to time.
Pocket bike" means a miniature motorcycle or similar motor - driven device, whether gas - powered or electric -powered, designed to resemble a motorcycle and not manufactured for lawful operation on public streets or highways unless otherwise compliant with the California Vehicle Code.
Similar device" means any wheeled transportation device powered by human power, electric power,' or motorized propulsion that is substantially similar in operation to the devices identified in this Chapter.
9. 28. 020. Bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device violations — Punishment.
Where the provisions of the California Vehicle Code have been violated by any individual, the Chief of Police or their designee may prohibit the operation of a bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device used in such violation upon the streets, alleys, and public places in the City for a period not to exceed 30 days. Such bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device shall be impounded by the Chief of Police or their designee and retained during the period for which the operation is prohibited.
Ordinance No. 26- 482
9. 28. 030. Impounding authorized when.
The Chief of Police or their designee may impound and retain possession of any bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device operated, parked or used in violation of any of the provisions of the California Vehicle Code or this Chapter, and may retain possession of any such bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device until criminal proceedings are completed or for a period not to exceed 30 days. The Chief of Police or their designee are hereby authorized to store any bicycles, electric bicycles, motorized scooters, motorized bicycles, pocket bikes, or similar devices impounded under this authority.
9. 28. 040. Enforcement
In lieu of the imposition of penalties authorized by this Title and/ or the filing of charges in a court of competent jurisdiction, the Chief of Police or Chief of Police designee may allow a first- time violator of this Chapter to complete an agency - approved bicycle, electric bicycle, scooter, or traffic safety course, if and when such a program is available.
9. 28. 050. Prohibited Use on Sidewalks to Interfere with Pedestrians No person shall ride or operate any bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device upon any sidewalk within the City in a manner that endangers the safety of any pedestrian or interferes with the reasonable use of the sidewalk by pedestrians. No person shall ride or operate any motorized scooter upon any sidewalk except as otherwise permitted by the California Vehicle Code. No person shall ride or operate any pocket bike upon any sidewalk, park pathway, trail, or other public pedestrian way within the City. The Chief of Police or their designee may enforce the provisions of this section consistent with this Chapter and applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code.
Section 2. Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more provisions may be declared invalid.
Section 3. Effective Date.
This ordinance shall take legal effect 30 days from and after the date of its passage.
Section 4. Publication.
Within fifteen days of the adoption of this Ordinance, the City clerk shall cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published in full accordance with Section 36933 of the Government Code.
Ordinance No. 26- 482
THIS ORDINANCE was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Lathrop on the llt" day of May2026, and was PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Lathrop on this day of , _, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Paul Akinjo, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Teresa Vargas, City Clerk Salvador Navarrete, City Attorney Ordinance No. 26- 482
CHAPTER 9. 28
BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOTORIZED SCOOTERS, MOTORIZED BICYCLES,
POCKET BIKES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES USED IN VIOLATION OF THE CALIFORNIA
VEHICLE CODE
9. 28. 010. Definitions.
Bicycle" means a device upon which any person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears, having one or more wheels. An electric bicycle is a bicycle.
Electric bicycle" shall have the same meaning as provided in California Vehicle Code Section 312. 5, as may be amended from time to time, and means a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts.
Motorized scooter" shall have the same meaning as provided in California Vehicle Code Section 407. 5, as may be amended from time to time, and means any two -wheeled device with handlebars, a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding, and powered by an electric motor.
Motorized bicycle" shall have the same meaning as provided in California Vehicle Code Section 406, as may be amended from time to time.
Pocket bike" means a miniature motorcycle or similar motor -driven device, whether gas - powered or electric -powered, designed to resemble a motorcycle and not manufactured for lawful operation on public streets or highways unless otherwise compliant with the California Vehicle Code.
Similar device" means any wheeled transportation device powered by human power, electric power, or motorized propulsion that is substantially similar in operation to the devices identified in this Chapter.
9. 28. 020. Bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device violations — Punishment.
Where the provisions of the California Vehicle Code have been violated by any individual, the Chief of Police or their designee may prohibit the operation of a bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device used in such violation upon the streets, alleys, and public places in the City for a period not to exceed 30 days. Such bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device shall be impounded by the Chief of Police or their designee and retained during the period for which the operation is prohibited.
9. 28. 030. Impounding authorized when.
The Chief of Police or their designee may impound and retain possession of any bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device operated, parked or used in violation of any of the provisions of the California Vehicle Code or this Chapter, and may retain possession of any such bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device until criminal proceedings are completed or for a period not to exceed 30 days. The Chief of Police or their designee are hereby authorized to store any bicycles, electric bicycles, motorized scooters, motorized bicycles, pocket bikes, or similar devices impounded under this authority.
9. 28. 040. Enforcement.
In lieu of the imposition of the penalties authorized by this Title and/ orthe filing of charges in a court of competent jurisdiction, the Chief of Police or Chief of Police designee may allow a first- time violator of this Chapter to complete an agency -approved bicycle, electric bicycle, scooter, or traffic safety course, if and when such a program is available.
9. 28. 050. Prohibited use on sidewalks to interfere with pedestrians.
No person shall ride or operate any bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device upon any sidewalk within the City in a manner that endangers the safety of any pedestrian or interferes with the reasonable use of the sidewalk by pedestrians.
No person shall ride or operate any motorized scooter upon any sidewalk except as otherwise permitted by the California Vehicle Code.
No person shall ride or operate any pocket bike upon any sidewalk, park pathway, trail, or other public pedestrian way within the City.
The Chief of Police or their designee may enforce the provisions of this section consistent with this Chapter and applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code.
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