Santa Barbara Cracks Down on E-Bikes with New Regulations
Last Updated on March 1, 2025 by Kristina
The City of Santa Barbara has officially updated its municipal code to include e-bike regulations, granting police officers the discretion to cite riders for unsafe behavior. The changes, which have been in development for months, also introduce a youth diversion program aimed at educating young riders and addressing reckless riding that has raised concerns among pedestrians.
Stricter Regulations for E-Bikes
Santa Barbara’s revised e-bike ordinance categorizes e-bikes into three classes:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
- Class 2: Equipped with throttles and capable of exceeding 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist bikes with speeds up to 30 mph, requiring riders to be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet at all times.
During the recent City Council meeting, Chief of Police Kelly Gordon provided details on the ordinance, emphasizing that it aims to improve public safety while educating riders on responsible e-bike usage.
Addressing the Rise in E-Bike Accidents
E-bike accidents have been on the rise since the city began tracking incidents in 2022.
- 2022: 10 collisions
- 2023: 73 collisions
- 2024: 107 collisions (two-thirds attributed to e-bike riders)
The city hopes that these new regulations will reduce the number of accidents and encourage safer riding habits.
Tackling Dangerous Riding
The new regulations specifically target “operating in an unsafe manner.” Riders are required to:
- Stay on the side of the road or in designated bike lanes whenever possible.
- Yield to pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks.
- Refrain from performing tricks or wheelies when pedestrians or vehicles are nearby.
Councilmembers debated the language regarding tricks and wheelies, ultimately deciding on a phrasing that grants officers discretion. A trick or wheelie on an empty street may be considered safe, whereas the same maneuver in a crowded area could be dangerous.
Handling Pocket Bikes and Enforcement Challenges
Councilmember Kristen Sneddon raised concerns over electric “pocket bikes” or Surron dirt bikes, which resemble motorcycles and can reach speeds of 45 mph. Chief Gordon clarified that these bikes are classified as off-road dirt bikes and are not permitted on public streets. While illegal, enforcement remains challenging, as officers cannot be everywhere at once.
Youth Diversion Program: An Alternative to Citations
To address first-time youth offenders, the city is introducing a diversion program in partnership with the Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Instead of impounding an e-bike or issuing a traditional citation, minors can:
- Attend a two-hour safety course with a parent or guardian.
- Pass a test and receive a certificate to close their case.
This approach helps families address infractions without affecting a minor’s record or future driving eligibility. Meanwhile, adult offenders will receive administrative citations that do not impact their driving records or require court appearances.
Additional Changes and Future Steps
The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance with some modifications:
- E-bikes on sidewalks: The initial provision allowing limited sidewalk riding was removed at the request of Mayor Randy Rowse to avoid sending mixed messages.
- Fines: The first offense will carry a $100 fine, with increasing penalties for repeat violations within a year.
- Group rides: These will still be allowed under the new ordinance.
Some councilmembers expressed concerns about enforcement on State Street and requested a future public report detailing service calls and police presence to identify areas needing improved enforcement.
Final Thoughts
Santa Barbara’s crackdown on unsafe e-bike riding aims to balance public safety with education. As e-bike usage continues to grow, the city is taking proactive steps to ensure responsible riding while offering young offenders a second chance to learn rather than face punitive measures.
What do you think of these new regulations? Are they fair, or do they go too far? Let us know in the comments below!
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