Murrieta council introduces tighter e-bike rules, including parent citations and a ban on Class 3 e-bikes on sidewalks

The Murrieta City Council voted 5-0 on Sept. 1 to introduce an ordinance that updates the city's rules for bikes, e-bikes and similar electric devices.

Mayor Pro Tem Ron Holliday made the motion and Council Member Lisa DeForest seconded it, according to the meeting minutes. Police Chief Matt Henry presented the item.

The council gave Ordinance No. 637-26 its second reading and adopted it Sept. 15 as part of the consent calendar, which passed 4-0 with DeForest absent, minutes of that meeting show.

What the ordinance does

The ordinance amends Chapter 10.55 of the Murrieta Municipal Code, which the council first adopted in 2024. A staff report says use of e-bikes has grown substantially, "particularly among minors," and cites concerns about speed, unsafe riding and devices that do not comply with state law.

Among the provisions in the ordinance text:

• Class 3 electric bicycles may not be ridden on any sidewalk. Riders may walk them or cross a sidewalk to reach private property.
• Riders may not hold and use a phone or similar device while riding. Mounted and hands-free devices are allowed.
• A new section prohibits unsafe operation and gives examples, including weaving through traffic, racing, carrying passengers on a device not built for them and lifting a wheel off the ground while riding.
• Pedestrian Priority Zones, marked by signs, can be designated by the city manager; riding is not allowed in them.
• Riding is barred at city-permitted special events where signs are posted.

The speed section, as it would read once amended, sets a 28 mph limit on public highways, parks and other public property, 20 mph on bicycle paths and trails, and 10 mph on sidewalks, or 5 mph when pedestrians are present.

Parents and minors

The ordinance says a parent or guardian may not knowingly allow a minor to ride an electric device that falls outside the state Vehicle Code's Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bike definitions, or allow a child under 16 to ride a Class 3 e-bike.

A parent who was notified in writing of an earlier violation and knowingly lets the riding continue can receive an administrative citation. A second violation within 12 months, when the parent was notified in writing of the first, brings enhanced penalties for both parent and minor.

For a minor's first violation, the city may offer a diversion program instead of a citation. To complete it, the minor and a parent or guardian must both finish a city-approved e-bike safety course within 60 days.

Impound

Police may impound a device in certain cases, including a Class 3 e-bike ridden by someone under 16. The ordinance sets a minimum 48-hour hold and requires removal and storage costs to be paid before release. Devices unclaimed after three months may be sold at public auction.

The staff report lists no fiscal impact.

The ordinance takes effect on the 31st day after adoption, its text says.

At the end of the Sept. 1 meeting, Council Member Lori Stone asked that a future agenda take up land use designation as it relates to e-bikes, and the minutes say consensus was received.