New San Diego rules for e-bikes, pursuant to AB 2234

San Diego is giving California Vehicle Code 21214.7 an update regarding Operation of Bicycles, and specifically to e-bikes with the legislation of AB 2234.

The San Diego City Counsel passed this section unanimously on June 23, 2026. See the full text of AB 2234 at https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202320240ab2234.

AB 2234 prohibits minors under 12 years old from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycles.

Class 1 e-bikes provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops assistance at 20 mph.

Class 2 e-bikes operate by pedal-assist or throttle and stops assistance at 20 mph.

So, what’s the harm if you or your child violate this law?

AB 2234 gives a 60-day grace period of just punishing with warnings. But then after that first 60 days, it will be a fine of $25, with the “parent or legal guardian with control or custody of the [unemancipated] minor” being jointly and severally liable….” California Vehicle Code 21214.7(c)(3).

All this is for safety. Keep children safe from riding what can be a fast bike. But also protect other persons and pedestrians who a young rider, riding a bike at these speeds, can crash into.

Also keep in mind, there are specific helmet laws too for bicycles, including California Vehicle Code Section 21212(a), which requires a person under 18 years of age to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.

And there’s other laws in general for riding e-bikes, like California vehicle code section 21213(a): “A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle [which gives assistance while pedaling and stops assistance at 28mph].” This same CVC section at (b) requires any person, regardless of age, to wear “a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities.”

Be safe out there folks.

As an avid cyclist myself, I’ll ask drivers to please be aware of bicyclist. And for parents: please follow these rules so your children are on these e-bikes only when lawful, safe, and appropriate.