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.