The Santee City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved toughening regulations for e-bike riders by banning their use by those under age 12.
The ordinance will require a second and final vote in December.
“I am a very big supporter of this, public safety is one of our number one issues here,” Mayor John Minto said, noting that he has ridden his own e-bike over 6,000 miles.
The ordinance is in line with a state pilot program that took effect this year and allows cities in San Diego County to impose age restrictions for e-bike users. The program is set to run through 2029.
Santee will became the latest to implement the restriction, following Chula Vista, Coronado, Poway and, most recently, San Marcos.
The move will specifically ban children under 12 from operating Class 1 or Class 2 e-bikes. For the first 60 days after the ordinance goes into effect, violators will be issued a warning, but after the initial grace period, violations will be punishable by a $25 fine.
A Class 1 e-bike is defined as a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and can reach up to 20 mph. A Class 2 e-bike is equipped with a motor that can be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and can also reach up to 20 mph.
San Diego Sheriff’s Office Deputy David Drake said it is equally important that helmets are worn by those operating e-bikes.
Riders of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes under the age of 17 are legally required to wear a helmet, he said.
City leaders warned that public education of the new regulation will be necessary once the ordinance goes into effect.
Councilmember Lauren Koval said the city should inform Santee schools of the change and consider putting up informational fliers.
Keeping parents informed of the restrictions could prevent repeat offenses, Minto added. Some parents might purchase an e-bike for their underage child without knowing it is banned, he said.
“I think a lot of adults are part of the problem,” Minto said. “At some point we will have to have a discussion about, if you have multiple offenses by the same child, what happens to the parent?”
The council is set to approve the ordinance Dec. 10. The city plans to hold a public information period leading up to its effective date on Jan 10.