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: 

New e-bike laws - warning period ends

Post Date:05/22/2026 10:24 AM

Memorial Day is always a busy time on Carlsbad roads as people head to the beach or gather with family and friends. Before you hit the road this weekend, please slow down, share the road, and if you’re heading out on two wheels, brush up on Carlsbad’s new e-bike laws. 

The 60-day warning period for the new e-bike safety laws will end on May 25, which is Memorial Day. While officers will continue to focus on education, people who break the new laws could begin to receive citations.  

Here’s what to expect: 

  • 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. 

  • The operation of e-bikes is prohibited at Poinsettia and Pine Avenue Community Parks. Please park your e-bike when you arrive at these parks. 

  • Anyone operating an e-bike must be at least 12 years old. 

  • Riders under 18 years old on any bike or e-bike, and riders of all ages on a class 3 e-bike must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.  

  • Parents can be held responsible if they knowingly allow their children to break the rules. 

This video summarizes the new laws. Please share it with any riders you know.  

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