Here is what to expect when the new laws go into effect on March 26, 2026. 

Minimum age to operate an e-bike 

Anyone operating an e-bike must be at least 12 years old, as allowed by Assembly Bill 2234. The City of Carlsbad co-sponsored AB 2234, which allows cities in San Diego County, as well as the county itself, to establish a minimum age of 12 for riding e-bikes as part of a pilot program.    

Consequences for reckless riding 

Safety is the city’s top priority. When a minor breaks the rules and creates an immediate or substantial public safety risk, their e-bike may be impounded. The minor must complete an in-person safety course to retrieve the e-bike, and a parent or guardian must be present when the e-bike is released.  

The Police Department can also impound e-motorcycles, which are not street legal. 

Clarification on riding safety 

In 2022, Carlsbad became the first city in San Diego County to pass local e-bike safety laws. The city has gathered more data and community input as e-bikes have continued to gain popularity, and updated the laws to more clearly specify these details: 

• Riders must go at a safe speed for the conditions, factoring in weather, whether pedestrians are present and how quickly other traffic is moving. 

• Riders under 18 years old must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet. 

• Only e-bikes designed for passengers can carry more than one rider. 

• Parents are responsible for knowingly allowing their children to commit violations. 

E-bike restrictions at parks 

E-bikes are prohibited at Poinsettia and Pine Avenue community parks.