On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the City of Carlsbad’s Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission is holding a special meeting to gather community input on a potential minimum age for e-bikes. The city has received more than 450 emails so far along with some common questions. Keep reading for more information about what is being considered and answers to frequently asked questions:  

Why is 12 being considered as the minimum age?  

• The Carlsbad City Council requested that the commission hold this meeting following the passage of AB 2234, which allows cities in San Diego County, as well as the county itself, to establish a minimum age of 12 for riding e-bikes.  
• Before AB 2234 was passed, state law limited the city’s ability to adopt minimum age requirements.  
• Because the age of 12 is identified in the legislation, the city does not have authority to adopt an ordinance with a different minimum age. 

Technically, this new law applies only to Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. State law already establishes a minimum age of 16 for riding Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach higher maximum speeds. Learn more about different types of e-bikes. 

The full text of the bill is available online if you want to dig into the details more. 

Could the city also require e-bike riders to get licenses?  
State law still prevents cities from adopting licensing requirements. However, school districts operating in Carlsbad have worked with the city to develop bike safety or permit programs for students. The Carlsbad Police Department also offers bike and e-bike safety training for local students, and so far more than 1,500 students have participated. 

If this new law is passed, could a child younger than 12 still ride as a passenger on an e-bike? 
AB 2234 only applies to the person operating an e-bike. It would not prohibit passengers. Existing child passenger safety rules would still apply. 

Does this change anything for regular (non-electric) bikes? 
No. AB 2234 only applies to e-bikes. Children under age 12 would still be able to ride regular bikes under existing laws. 

How are current laws being enforced? 
Carlsbad was the first city in the region to pass local laws to curtail reckless riding and address other unsafe use of e-bikes. The Carlsbad Police Department actively enforces these laws. In the last three years, the Police Department has issued more than 180 e-bike citations and 230 warnings for violations that include:  

• Running red lights  
• Failing to stop at stop signs  
• Riding on sidewalks  
• Engaging in hazardous riding behaviors  

Education is a key part of Carlsbad’s approach. The city’s local laws allow riders who are receiving a citation for the first time to take a safety course instead of paying the fine.  

If this is approved, would it be in place permanently? 
No. AB 2234 is a pilot program that runs until Jan. 1, 2029. Any local ordinance adopted under it would be evaluated during that period.  After that time, the city will consider collision data, citations, community feedback and school input and would report back to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and City Council with results. 

How can I share my thoughts? 
If you want to provide input, there are two ways to share your feedback:  

• Email traffic@carlsbadca.gov by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16 
• Attend the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meeting and provide a comment in person 

Special Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meeting 
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 5 p.m. 
City Council Chamber 
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive 

The agenda and staff report will be available on the city’s website by Friday, Sept. 12. 

All feedback will be shared with the City Council.