The Canyon Lake City Council introduced a new ordinance establishing local regulations for e-bikes, electric motorcycles, scooters, and other motorized mobility devices in an effort to improve safety throughout the city.
The ordinance is in response to the growing use of electric mobility devices and increasing concerns about unsafe riding practices on streets, sidewalks, parks, trails, and other public and private areas.
The ordinance creates clear definitions for various electric mobility devices and distinguishes between legal electric bicycles and higher-powered electric motorcycles or similar vehicles that do not meet California’s definition of an e-bike. City officials noted that some high-powered vehicles are marketed as e-bikes despite not complying with state law.
The ordinance prohibits unsafe operation of regulated mobility devices, including reckless or careless operation, unsafe speeds, failure to yield, riding against traffic, stunts, wheelies, jumps, racing, speed contests, unsafe group riding, unsafe passing, carrying passengers or objects in an unsafe manner, towing or clinging to vehicles, distracted operation, operation under the influence where prohibited by state law, and conduct that intentionally or recklessly frightens, harasses, or threatens others.
The ordinance also prohibits the operation of electric motorcycles and other noncompliant electric vehicles in public and designated private areas unless they are properly registered, licensed, equipped, and operated in accordance with California law. In addition, modifying an e-bike to exceed state speed, power, or equipment limits is prohibited.
Because Canyon Lake includes substantial privately owned and privately controlled areas, the ordinance includes a specific framework for private-property enforcement. Under that framework, the city may enforce the ordinance on private roads, private common areas, private recreational areas, parking facilities, parks, beaches, trails, pathways, gates, security areas, and similar areas only after the responsible private entity has adopted substantially consistent rules or incorporated the city’s rules by reference, has filed a written request or consent in a form approved by the city attorney, has installed required signs and notices, and the city has determined that the area is appropriate for enforcement and placed it on a list of authorized private enforcement areas maintained by the city clerk.
The ordinance preserves private enforcement authority and makes clear that city acceptance of a private-property enforcement request does not create a mandatory duty to provide patrol, dedicated enforcement, security services, or any particular level of enforcement.
Violations may result in administrative citations, fines, vehicle impoundment, cost recovery, and other enforcement actions. The ordinance also allows parents or guardians to be held responsible if they knowingly permit a minor to violate the regulations.
City officials said the new ordinance is intended to enhance safety for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists, golf cart users, and other residents while providing clear rules for the operation of electric mobility devices throughout Canyon Lake.
The ordinance will return to the council for second reading and adoption at a subsequent meeting. If adopted, the ordinance will take effect 30 days after adoption.
