Del Dios Academy of arts & sciences

E-Bike Guidelines: Escondido Police Department

A dark blue police department flyer showing e-bike and bicycle safety rules organized by rider age group and e-bike class, including a comparison chart of e-bike types.

"Departamento de Policía de Escondido — Bicicleta eléctrica / Bicicleta Información de Seguridad," an informational flyer featuring age-based e-bike rules, helmet requirements, and a comparison chart of Class 1, 2, 3, and Moped e-bike types.

Escondido Police Department E-Bike/Bicycle Safety Information

Escondido Municipal Code - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of the Escondido Municipal Code has been updated to reflect the growing use of electric bicycles. The purpose of the updates is to promote safety for riders, pedestrians, motorists, and the public, while protecting public infrastructure and aligning City rules with California law.

Bicycles and e-bikes are required to follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles, which includes obeying traffic signals, speed limits, and stop signs.

"These rules apply in all public areas, as well as parks and recreational areas."

Age-Based Rules

Under 12 Years Old

No e-bikes
May ride bicycle on sidewalk (12 and under only)

The under 12 ban is a pilot program that runs through the end of 2029.

12–15 Years Old

Class 1 & 2 e-bikes only
May NOT ride on sidewalks

16+ Years Old

Class 1, 2 & 3 e-bikes
May NOT ride on sidewalks

Helmet Rules

Under age 18 must wear a helmet
Class 3 e-bike requires a helmet regardless of age

E-Bike Types

Class 1: Pedal-Assist

Max speed: 20 mph
Has pedal assist
No throttle
Minimum age: 12
Helmet required: under 18

Class 2: Pedal-Assist and Throttle-Assist

Max speed: 20 mph
Has pedal assist
Has throttle
Minimum age: 12
Helmet required: under 18

Class 3: Pedal-Assist

Max speed: 28 mph
Has pedal assist
No throttle
Minimum age: 16
Helmet required: yes, regardless of age

Moped/Motorized Bicycle

Max speed: speed limit
No pedal assist
Has throttle
Minimum age: 16
Helmet required: yes

An informational flyer from the Escondido Police Department outlining e-bike enforcement fines, e-bike seizure rules, electric motorcycle regulations, passenger rules, and a bicycle safety course program.

"Aplicación — El incumplimiento de las disposiciones del Capítulo 5 puede dar lugar a una multa administrativa y/o a la confiscación de la bicicleta. La conducción imprudente o la falta de la debida precaución respecto a la seguridad de las personas o de la propiedad pueden conllevar la confiscación de la bicicleta. Menores de 12 años multa máxima de $25 | 1.ª infracción: $50 | 2.ª infracción: $100 | Infracciones adicionales: $200 — Incautación de bicicleta eléctrica - EMC 5.9 — Motocicletas eléctricas — Pasajeros — Curso de seguridad para bicicletas — Contact Us

E-Bike Enforcement, Safety, and Bicycle Safety Course – Escondido Police

Enforcement

A violation of the provisions of Chapter 5 may result in an administrative citation and/or bicycle seizure, including for reckless operation or failure to exercise due regard for the safety of people or property.

Fines by violation:

Under 12 Years Old: Max fine $25
1st Violation: $50
2nd Violation: $100
Additional Violations: $200

E-Bike Seizure – EMC 5.9

If your e-bike was seized, it was due to any of the following:

Reckless operation.
Failure to exercise due regard for the safety of persons or property.
Three or more bicycle/mobility device violations within a 12 month period.

Electric Motorcycles

E-bikes are limited to 750 watts and 28 mph under state law. Higher-powered bikes are considered motor vehicles and require registration and insurance. Electric dirt bikes, such as Surrons, are not street legal and cannot be operated in public. They are considered electric motorcycles and may be impounded under the authority of the California Vehicle Code.

Passengers

Passengers are only allowed on bikes that are equipped with a passenger seat. Helmets are required for passengers under 18 or on Class 3.

Bicycle Safety Course

The CHP has developed an online e-bike safety and training program in response to Assembly Bill 1946. It is designed for riders of all ages and can be accessed through CHP resources or affiliated websites. This program covers:

E-bike Classifications
Rules of the Road
Safety Considerations
Legal Requirements

Comparable bicycle safety courses, such as those offered by the San Diego Bicycle Coalition, may qualify for citation dismissal if completed after the citation date and proof of completion is provided.

Contact Us

Email the Escondido Police traffic desk

Visit the Escondido Police Department website (opens in a new tab)