Let's be Safer Together, Carlsbad!

The City of Carlsbad uses the three Es of traffic safety -- education, engineering and enforcement -- to help ensure everyone uses local streets safely. Thanks to your support, it's working! Please continue to look out for one another, follow our safety tips and share your commitment publicly so others will do the same.

New e-bike laws effective March 26, 2026 

The Carlsbad City Council formally adopted new e-bike laws at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The news laws are in effect as of March 26, 2026, starting with a 60-day warning period.

Here is what to expect: 

  • Anyone operating an e-bike must be at least 12 years old, as allowed by Assembly Bill 2234.
  • When a minor breaks the rules and creates an immediate or substantial public safety risk, their e-bike may be impounded. The minor must complete an in-person safety course to retrieve the e-bike, and a parent or guardian must be present when the e-bike is released. 
  • The Police Department can also impound e-motorcycles, which are not street legal. 
  • E-bikes are prohibited at Poinsettia and Pine Avenue Community Parks. 

Additionally, the city's previously existing laws have been updated to provide additional clarity on safe riding behavior, including:

  • Riders must go at a safe speed for the conditions, factoring in weather, whether pedestrians are present and how quickly other traffic is moving.
  • Riders under 18 years old must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
  • Only e-bikes designed for passengers can carry more than one rider.

  • Parents are responsible for knowingly allowing their children to commit violations. 

E-bike chart with e-motorcycles

More information

E-bike laws overview
View the new ordinance  
Watch a recording of the City Council meeting 

Safety classes

The Carlsbad Police Department hosts quarterly bike and e-bike safety classes. Sign up to be the first to know when new classes are added.

Online resources are also available: 

Gearing up for a safe holiday

Post Date:11/18/2025 3:16 PM

With the upcoming holiday and school break, you’ll notice more people walking, biking and driving around Carlsbad. If you’re driving, please give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and avoid distractions.

If you have e-bike riders at home, review the rules of the road together. Here are a few quick reminders you can share to help keep them safe:

  • Riders under age 18 must wear a helmet. A few simple steps can help you make sure your child’s helmet fits properly.
  • Front and rear lights are required when riding a bike at night.
  • Bikes are required to follow all traffic signs and signals, and should ride in the same direction as traffic.

And of course, please celebrate responsibly. The Carlsbad Police Department will be out with increased DUI enforcement to keep everyone safe.

Remember, a little patience will go a long way. Thanks for your help to keep Carlsbad safe. 

More resources
Carlsbad-specific e-bike rules
Traffic safety tips

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