City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 FROM: RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 10 OF THE RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 10.65
REGARDING E-CONVEYANCES
ISSUE:
Introduce and subsequently adopt an ordinance of the City of Riverside, California, amending Title 10 of the Riverside Municipal Code by adding Section 10.65 regarding E-Conveyances to establish regulations regarding their safe and lawful operation.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council Introduce and subsequently adopt an ordinance of the City of Riverside, California, amending Title 10 of the Riverside Municipal Code by adding Section 10.65 regarding E-Conveyances to establish regulations regarding their safe and lawful operation.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Riverside has seen a substantial increase in the use of e-conveyances within its jurisdiction. The Police Department and City Officials have received numerous complaints of e- conveyances being used recklessly and unlawfully, endangering both the riders and the public.
While the use of e-conveyances on public roads and trails is generally regulated by the California Vehicle Code, certain areas of the city, such as public parks and open space areas, currently lack such regulations.
DISCUSSION:
E-conveyances, commonly referred to as “e-bikes”, have become increasingly prevalent in the City of Riverside. As the use of these e-conveyances has grown, so too have complaints regarding individuals riding them recklessly throughout the city. Since January 1, 2026, there have been over 200 documented complaints of unsafe e-conveyance use in the City of Riverside.
Numerous additional complaints have been voiced at public meetings to City Officials and the Riverside Police Department (RPD). These complaints often concern use at or near public parks within the city and usually involve juvenile riders.
CC Date: 9-22-26
Item No.: 18a
Add RMC Section 10.65 Regarding E-Conveyances ● Page 2
E-conveyances fall into several different subcategories including Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, mopeds and motorized bicycles, motorized scooters, electronically motorized boards and skateboards, and electric motorcycles (e-moto) designed for off-road use only.
For each type of e-conveyance, the California Vehicle Code lists specific requirements regarding use on public roads, licensing, registration, safety equipment, and age restrictions. However, these Vehicle Code sections alone do not always address how e-conveyances are operated in public parks, on public trails, playgrounds, open space areas, and other city-owned properties.
To enforce the safe operation of e-conveyances in these spaces, regulations must be established in the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC). Therefore, RPD is proposing to add Section 10.65 E- Conveyances to the RMC. Section 10.65 defines e-conveyances, lists necessary safety equipment, and clearly establishes safe operating parameters as well as penalties for violations for the use of e-conveyances on sidewalks, parkways, trails, or upon any park, playground, or open space. For violations committed by minors, the parent or guardian of the minor may be held responsible for the violation or any associated penalties.
Section 10.65 also establishes exemptions for public safety personnel in the performance of their duties and for individuals with disabilities using electric personal assistive mobility devices.
The RPD has established an education campaign through the Department’s website, social media, and community presentations to inform the public about existing regulations regarding the use of e-conveyances and encourage their safe operation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Prepared by: Chad Chinchila, Police Lieutenant
Approved by: Larry V. Gonzalez, Chief of Police
Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Finance Director
Approved by: Thomas R. Hatch, Interim City Manager
Approved as to form: James Johnson, City Attorney
Attachments:
1. Ordinance
2. Presentation