Poway Adopts New E-Bike Ordinance Aimed at Safety

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.

Fire Risk in Green Valley

It has been 59 years since a wildfire burned through Green Valley. In 1967, a fire that started near the Ramona Airport, driven by strong Santa Ana winds, destroyed 16 homes in our community. Photos from that time show a very different landscape. Since then, the number of homes and the amount of vegetation have increased dramatically. 

We were fortunate during the Cedar Fire in 2003 and the Witch Fire in 2007. Small shifts in the wind pushed those fires past Green Valley instead of into it. That luck may not hold next time, and we cannot afford to be complacent about the risk. Beyond the usual recommendations for vegetation management on your own property, we strongly encourage residents to think through their evacuation plans now, before a fire starts. For those living in Green Valley Highlands, a fire coming from the northeastleaves only two exit routes: Martincoit Road and Stone Canyon Road. Martincoit could be closed early in an active fire. 

GVCA has raised concerns with the City about unmaintained palm groves in the Green Valley area. If you have a concern about a fire risk, we encourage you to contact the City of Poway.