Using two wheels is a wonderful way for people to get around, she said, adding that e-bikes can be an equalizer for older residents facing certain physical challenges.
However, too many residents are being sold what are basically motorcycles, leading to serious accidents or even fatalities, she said.
Supervisor Jim Desmond was the lone dissenter in the board’s 4-1 vote, saying it would be “jumping the gun” to pursue legal action as a first step.
He added that the bipartisan state Senate Bill 1167, which the Legislature recently passed, is designed to help protect residents in terms of how e-bikes are marketed to residents.
In the meantime, the focus should be on education for parents and their children, said Desmond, who added many cities in San Diego County have adopted e-bike regulations.