The City of Poway has adopted a new electric bicycle (e-bike) ordinance designed to improve public safety as e-bike use continues to grow across the community. The ordinance clarifies where e-bikes may be ridden, establishes age restrictions, and aligns local rules with California’s e-bike classification system. City officials cited concerns about speed, rider experience, and conflicts with pedestrians as key reasons for the new regulations, particularly involving younger riders.
UNDERSTANDING E-BIKE CLASSES
California law divides e-bikes into three classes, which Poway’s ordinance uses to determine age limits and permitted use.
Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal-assist only and stop assisting at 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 e-bikes can be operated with a throttle and top out at 20 miles per hour, even without pedaling.
Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour and are subject to the strictest regulations.
WHERE AND WHO CAN RIDE
Under the ordinance, children under 12 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes of any class, and riders under 16 may not operate higher-speed (class 3) models. Riders under 18 are also prohibited from carrying passengers. Helmet use is required for all riders under 18. E-bikes are generally permitted on roads, bike lanes, and designated bike paths unless posted otherwise. However, the city has banned e-bike use in certain areas, including sports courts, athletic fields, passive lawn areas, water detention basins, and sidewalks in business districts. Violations will initially result in warnings, followed by fines for repeat offenses. Law enforcement is also authorized to confiscate e-bikes used in violation of the ordinance.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY
The ordinance places new responsibilities on families, particularly parents of younger riders, to ensure children are operating legal and age-appropriate e-bikes. City leaders emphasize that the goal is not to discourage e-bike use, but to ensure it happens safely and responsibly in shared public spaces. The complete ordinance can be found on the Poway.org website under Poway Municipal Codes.