San Diego police can now issue $25 citations to young riders violating city e-bike laws after a 60-day grace period ended, a move prompted by a sharp surge in pediatric trauma cases reported by local medical centers.
The ordinance, which took effect in August, establishes a minimum age of 12 to ride Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles, 10news.com reported. Enforcement and fine issuance began Tuesday, Oct. 13. City Councilmember Raul Campillo stated that the $25 penalty was fixed by state law to ensure accountability without placing heavy financial strains on families.
"This is a pilot program. It’s a first of its kind," Campillo said, adding that the fee level was chosen because officials want to avoid penalizing families heavily.
Educational Alternative To The Fine
Cited riders can choose to complete a free, state-approved Online Electric Bicycle Safety and Training Course instead of paying the $25 penalty. Campillo emphasized that instruction remains the preferred method for resolving infractions.
The pilot initiative is designed to gather data on citations and collisions to determine if the local regulations effectively lower the rate of serious injuries among youth.
Rising Trauma Statistics At Rady Children’s Hospital
The regulatory push follows steep increases in severe accidents documented by medical staff. Dr. Romeo Ignacio, trauma medical director at Rady Children’s Hospital, noted that pediatric e-bike injuries have surged by 1,770% across San Diego County since 2022.
Many of the injured patients fall into the 13-to-14 age demographic. According to hospital data, trauma activations for bike injuries rose from three cases in 2021 to more than 260 over the past year, making e-bike incidents the facility’s second-leading cause of trauma activations. Ignacio stated that these incidents could become the primary cause of trauma admissions in the coming year.
Pushback From The San Diego County Bike Coalition
The San Diego County Bike Coalition opposes the ordinance, arguing that municipal enforcement targets the wrong issues.
In an official statement, the coalition argued that dangerous riding behaviors—such as running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and weaving through crowds—are already illegal. The group also noted that many severe incidents involve high-speed electric motorcycles, which are classified differently under state law and require a driver’s license for riders under 16.
The organization urged the city to publish comprehensive data regarding citations and crashes tied to the new rules, and to reconsider the ordinance if street safety fails to improve.
Frequently Asked Questions About The San Diego E-Bike Ordinance
What is the minimum age to ride an e-bike under the new ordinance?
The city ordinance sets a minimum age of 12 to operate Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles within San Diego.
How much is the fine for an e-bike violation?
Citations carry a $25 fine, which was established by state law to limit the financial impact on families.
Can riders avoid paying the fine?
Yes, cited individuals can complete a free, state-approved Online Electric Bicycle Safety and Training Course instead of paying the $25 penalty.