Brentwood, California, Moves Toward New E-Bike Rules After Safety Complaints

Brentwood, California, is taking steps toward developing stricter electric bike regulations following complaints about reckless riding, particularly involving younger riders.

During its October 13, 2026 meeting, the Brentwood City Council unanimously approved a motion directing city staff to research and prepare a proposed e-bike ordinance for future consideration.

The potential regulations could address where electric bikes are permitted, speed limits on shared trails, sidewalk restrictions, and additional safety measures for younger riders.

However, Brentwood has not adopted a new e-bike ordinance. The council’s decision authorizes further research and development of possible rules, not their immediate enforcement.

Why Brentwood Is Considering New E-Bike Regulations

Councilmember Faye Maloney brought the issue forward after hearing complaints from residents about unsafe e-bike riding, including excessive speeds on shared trails and conflicts with pedestrians.

Councilmembers discussed concerns involving walkers, runners, older residents, and families who use the city’s trails and public spaces.

Another issue is the distinction between legally classified electric bicycles and more powerful electric-powered vehicles that may fall outside California’s e-bike definitions.

Officials want to explore regulations that improve public safety while providing clearer expectations for riders, parents, and law enforcement.

What New E-Bike Restrictions Are Being Considered?

Several potential regulations were discussed during the council meeting. These measures are proposals and discussion topics, not newly adopted laws.

• Trail access: Restrictions on certain e-bike classes or new speed limits
• Sidewalk riding: Additional restrictions, particularly in downtown areas
• Age requirements: Possible minimum-age restrictions for younger riders
• Helmets: Stronger education and enforcement of applicable requirements
• Passengers: Rules addressing additional riders
• Safety education: Coordination with schools and parents
• Enforcement: Additional tools to address reckless riding

One suggestion involved requiring riders to dismount and walk their bikes in certain downtown business areas. Councilmembers also discussed whether reasonable trail speed limits could address safety concerns without prohibiting entire classes of electric bicycles. No final decisions have been made on those possibilities.

Brentwood Already Has Sidewalk Bicycle Restrictions

Although the proposed e-bike ordinance is new, Brentwood already has regulations governing bicycle riding on certain sidewalks.

Under Brentwood Municipal Code Section 10.12.010, bicycling is prohibited on designated sidewalk segments along portions of First Street, Second Street, Chestnut Street, Oak Street, and Maple Street.

These restrictions apply to specified areas rather than automatically prohibiting bicycle riding on every sidewalk throughout the city. The current council discussion concerns whether additional regulations are needed to address electric bicycles and other powered devices.

Residents can review the Brentwood Municipal Code for the existing rules.

Police Discuss Challenges With Young E-Bike Riders

Brentwood police are already working with local schools to improve awareness of e-bike safety and applicable laws. The department has distributed educational materials through the school district and is preparing additional presentations for middle-school students.

Officials also discussed challenges involving riders who fail to stop when approached by officers.

Rather than relying exclusively on citations or enforcement, police have emphasized the importance of helping students and parents understand safe riding practices and the differences between legal e-bikes and higher-powered vehicles.

No new enforcement schedule or penalty structure was approved during the October 13 meeting.

Could Brentwood Establish a Minimum Riding Age?

Councilmember Jovita Mendoza raised the possibility of establishing additional age restrictions, including consideration of age 12. The discussion referenced approaches used or considered in other California communities, including San Mateo County.

Brentwood has not approved a minimum riding age of 12. Any future local ordinance would need to account for California’s existing e-bike classifications and the authority municipalities have under state law.

California already imposes different requirements depending on whether an electric bicycle is classified as Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3. For more information, see Electric Bike Explorer’s California E-Bike Laws guide.

Could Students Be Required to Complete E-Bike Safety Training?

Another idea raised during the council discussion involved requiring students to complete safety education before being permitted to park electric bikes at school.

Such a program could help students understand traffic rules, helmet requirements, pedestrian safety, and the legal classification of their electric bikes.

However, this was only a suggestion. The City Council did not establish a mandatory training program, and no new school parking requirement was adopted. Police are already pursuing educational outreach through local schools independently of any future ordinance.

How Brentwood’s Proposal Compares With Other California E-Bike Rules

Brentwood is not the only California community examining how electric bicycles should be regulated. Several cities and counties have adopted or considered additional restrictions in response to concerns about young riders, speeding, and shared trail safety.

For example, San Diego adopted restrictions affecting Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike riders under age 12. Meanwhile, Danville implemented restrictions on electric bikes in town parks.

California has also approved statewide e-bike legislation addressing vehicle classifications and safety requirements. Riders can learn more in EBE’s California E-Bike Law Updates.

These examples show how local governments are approaching e-bike safety differently. Some communities emphasize age limits, while others focus on trail access, park restrictions, or enforcement. Brentwood’s eventual approach remains undecided.

What Happens Next?

City staff will research possible regulations and develop recommendations for the City Council. The work may include reviewing California law, examining ordinances adopted by other communities, and evaluating which restrictions would be appropriate for Brentwood.

The proposed ordinance would need to return for further council consideration before new requirements could be adopted. As of October 14, 2026, the city has not announced a final ordinance vote date.

Until new rules are formally approved, riders should continue following existing California laws, Brentwood’s municipal regulations, and posted trail restrictions.

My Take

I understand why Brentwood officials are concerned about reckless e-bike riding, especially on shared trails where people are walking, jogging, or riding at different speeds.

Nobody wants to be enjoying a peaceful walk and suddenly have someone fly past them on an electric bike.

At the same time, I hope the city takes care not to treat every e-bike rider as part of the problem. There’s a big difference between someone responsibly riding a Class 1 pedal-assist bike and someone operating a much more powerful electric vehicle at unsafe speeds.

I actually like the suggestion of looking at reasonable trail speed limits rather than immediately banning certain types of e-bikes. That seems worth exploring, especially if it can address dangerous behavior without unnecessarily limiting responsible riders.

Education is important, too. Parents need to understand what they’re buying for their children and whether those bikes are legal for the places their kids intend to ride.

Hopefully, Brentwood can develop rules that improve safety while keeping trails and public spaces accessible to responsible e-bike riders.

Sources

• Contra Costa News — Brentwood City Council Moves Forward With Proposed E-Bike Ordinance (October 14, 2026)
• Brentwood Municipal Code — Existing Bicycle and Sidewalk Regulations