Two cities in Orange County, California, are tightening regulations on e-bikes due to public safety concerns. Orange city officials have developed new ways to enforce existing rules, while Cypress is considering updating its city codes to address e-bike issues. These actions follow a trend of municipalities across the county responding to complaints about unsafe e-bike use.
Orange City Council recently introduced ordinances to improve public safety by setting speed limits for e-bikes on sidewalks and establishing rules for safe street riding. This move comes after a grand jury report criticized local officials for lacking regulations against unruly e-bike riders. Last month, Buena Park also enacted an ordinance prohibiting adults from using e-bikes on sidewalks and establishing speed limits.
Despite these efforts, some bicycle advocates argue for standardized e-bike rules across the county. Bill Sellin, a board member of the OC Bike Coalition, expressed concerns about the inefficiency of having different rules in each city. He noted that Class 2 e-bikes, which can exceed 20 mph, often bypass state regulations and can be modified for higher speeds.
Under California law, cities cannot ban e-bikes outright or require licenses. However, they can regulate speed limits and where e-bikes can be used. The recent measures in Orange County reflect a growing effort to address e-bike safety while balancing the popularity of these vehicles.
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