E-Bike Rules
New E-Bike Rules in Yucaipa: What You Need to Know
The City of Yucaipa has passed new laws for electric bikes, scooters, and skateboards. These rules are in effect right now. Police will strictly enforce these rules. If you break them, the fine for the first time is $2,000.
Top Rule: Is your bike legal?
Not all electric bikes are allowed on city streets. You must check your bike to see if it is legal.
- Pedals are Required: If your electric bike does not have working pedals, it is not a bicycle. It is considered an “electric off-highway motorcycle” (like Sur-Ron, Talaria, or E Ride Pro brands).
- Where to Ride: You cannot ride pedal-less electric motorcycles on any public street, sidewalk, or park in Yucaipa. You can only ride them on private property or off-road vehicle parks.
- Registration: These bikes are not street legal and cannot be registered for the road.
Where can you ride e-bikes?
If you have a legal e-bike (with pedals), you must follow these rules about where to ride:
- Stay Off Sidewalks: You cannot ride e-bikes or scooters on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are for walkers. You must ride in the street or in a bike lane.
- No Parks: You cannot ride on the grass, sports fields, or dirt in City parks. You must stay on approved paths.
- Follow Traffic Laws: You must obey all stop signs, traffic lights, and speed limits. You must ride with traffic, not against it.
Safety Gear and Behavior
- Helmets: If you are under 18 years old, you must wear a helmet. If you ride a Class 3 e-bike (a fast bike that goes up to 28 mph), you must wear a helmet no matter how old you are.
- No Stunts: You cannot do wheelies, tricks, or race other riders.
- Put the Phone Down: You cannot hold your phone while riding. You must use a hands-free device if you need to talk.
- One Rider Only: Do not carry passengers unless your bike is built for two people.
Information for Parents
Parents are responsible for their children.
- You Pay the Fine: If your child breaks these rules, you (the parent) can be given the ticket. The fine starts at $2,000.
- Paying for Damages: If your child damages property (like tearing up grass in a park), you may have to pay for the repairs.
- Losing the Bike: Police can take the bike away (impound it) if a child is riding unsafely.
Why did the City do this?
The City Council passed these rules to keep people safe.
- Accidents are Up: Injuries from e-bikes have gone up 20% every year across the country.
- Bad Behavior: Residents have seen riders doing dangerous things, like swerving in traffic and almost hitting walkers.
- Protecting Parks: E-bikes have damaged public parks by riding on the grass and landscaping.
Urgency Ordinance No. 474U
You can read the full text of the ordinance here.
