Tustin, California Begins Enforcing New E-Bike Ordinance to Improve Rider Safety

Last Updated on June 22, 2026 by Kristina

Officials in Tustin, California, have begun enforcing a newly adopted local e-bike ordinance aimed at improving safety for riders, pedestrians, and motorists. The ordinance works alongside existing California e-bike laws by adding local operating rules intended to reduce unsafe riding behaviors and prevent accidents.

As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, communities across the country are facing similar challenges. Cities are looking for ways to encourage e-bike transportation while also addressing complaints about reckless riding and improving public safety.

Why Tustin Is Increasing Enforcement

According to city officials, the new enforcement effort is designed to reduce traffic accidents and encourage responsible riding through a combination of education and enforcement.

Police have received concerns about unsafe riding, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and around schools. Rather than waiting for serious crashes to occur, the city says officers will focus on educating riders while also enforcing violations when necessary.

What the New Local Rules Include

In addition to following California’s statewide e-bike laws, riders in Tustin must also comply with the city’s local ordinance.

Among the rules highlighted by the city are:

• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Do not ride more than two bicycles or e-bikes side by side.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Do not ride at speeds that are unsafe for conditions.
• Slow down in areas with pedestrians.
• Passengers may only ride if the bicycle or e-bike is designed and equipped to carry them.
• Do not modify an e-bike to exceed its legal speed classification.
• Stay off areas where riding is prohibited, including certain landscaped areas and sports fields.

Education Remains a Major Focus

City officials have emphasized that enforcement is only part of the solution.

The Tustin Police Department continues to educate both adults and younger riders about:

• California traffic laws.
• Helmet requirements.
• Safe riding practices.
• E-bike classifications.
• Responsible riding around pedestrians and vehicles.

The department has also partnered with the local school district so middle and high school students who ride e-bikes to school receive a safety presentation and obtain a riding permit before commuting to campus.

Why More Communities Are Taking Action

Tustin isn’t the only city taking a closer look at e-bike safety.

Across the country, local governments are responding to an increase in complaints involving unsafe riding by combining education with targeted enforcement. Common concerns include excessive speed, failure to obey traffic signals, riding recklessly around pedestrians, and operating modified e-bikes that no longer meet legal definitions.

The goal in many communities is to improve safety without discouraging the responsible use of e-bikes as an affordable and environmentally friendly form of transportation.

Know California’s E-Bike Laws

California has one of the nation’s most comprehensive sets of e-bike laws, recognizing Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes. However, cities and counties may adopt additional local regulations governing where e-bikes can be ridden and how they are operated, as Tustin has done.

If you’re riding in California, be sure to read our complete California E-Bike Laws Guide to understand:

• California’s three e-bike classes
• Helmet requirements
• Age restrictions
• Where e-bikes are permitted
• Trail and roadway rules
• Equipment requirements

Traveling outside California?

Our State-by-State E-Bike Laws Guide compares the laws in all 50 states, making it easy to understand where you can legally ride before your next trip.

My Take

As someone who covers e-bikes every day here at Electric Bike Explorer, I think Tustin is taking a fairly reasonable approach.

E-bikes have opened the door for millions of people to commute, exercise, replace short car trips, and simply enjoy riding again. The technology itself isn’t the problem. Unsafe behavior is.

I also appreciate that the city is placing a strong emphasis on education instead of relying solely on citations. Many riders, especially younger or first-time e-bike owners, may not realize that traffic laws apply to them just as they do to motorists. Teaching those rules before someone gets hurt is always preferable to responding after a serious crash.

At the same time, enforcement has an important role. If riders repeatedly ignore traffic laws, endanger pedestrians, or operate modified e-bikes illegally, officers should step in before someone is seriously injured.

I also think it’s important to remember that local ordinances like this don’t mean e-bikes are the problem. The overwhelming majority of e-bike owners ride responsibly every day. They stop at traffic lights, yield when required, wear appropriate safety gear, and respect those around them.

If more communities can combine clear laws, rider education, parental involvement, and fair enforcement, they’ll go a long way toward improving safety while continuing to support the responsible growth of e-bike riding. Responsible riders are the best ambassadors for the entire e-bike community, and every safe ride helps build greater public trust in this rapidly growing form of transportation.

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