Fullerton currently doesn\u2019t have any local laws specifically addressing e-bikes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But that\u2019s set to change.<\/p>\n
During last night\u2019s city council meeting, officials preliminarily approved new rules that prohibit \u201cunsafe\u201d e-bike riding on public streets, paths, trails and parks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That means it would be against city law to swerve through traffic on an e-bike or do maneuvers like wheelies, stunts and other tricks.<\/p>\n
The proposed ordinances would also prevent multiple riders from using a single e-bike and establish a 5 mph speed limit for e-bikes on sidewalks and a 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes on paved trails.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The regulations would also extend to electric scooters, although they are treated differently from e-bikes under state law. California vehicle code already prohibits riding electric scooters on sidewalks, for example.<\/p>\n
The Fullerton City Council voted 4-1 in an initial vote during their meeting last night to establish the new e-bike rules. Councilmember Nicholas Dunlap voted no, saying he wanted e-bikes to be entirely barred from sidewalks.<\/p>\n
The regulations will need a second approval from the city council at a future meeting and would become law 30 days after that.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Councilmembers are also expected to review those new rules at a council meeting in November to see if any changes or additions are needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is probably a work in progress,\u201d Councilmember Ahmad Zahra said at the meeting. \u201cIt\u2019s a great starting point.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/CityHallCityLandmark_Fullerton_2024_10_Cartmell-3-2.jpg\")
The Fullerton City Hall in Fullerton, Calif., on Oct. 3, 2024. Credit: QUINCI CARTMELL, Voice of OC<\/p>\n
During the public comment portion of Tuesday\u2019s meeting, some people recounted their experiences and close calls with e-bikes in town.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter the Walk on Wilshire was dismantled, I went to go walk the street on the very first day afterward, and the first thing that happened was an e-bike almost ran into me,\u201d one person told city council members. \u201cSpeaking as someone who rides an e-bike on occasion and also has to interact with e-bikes, I definitely see the need for this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0Some speakers called for improved infrastructure to keep bicyclists safe on the road.<\/p>\n
Others said e-bikes themselves pose a danger.<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s be real. This is a motorcycle,\u201d another speaker said. \u201cIt\u2019s a mo-ed with pedals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Representatives from the Fullerton Police Department said they have plans to conduct presentations at local high schools to encourage safe e-bike riding after Active Transportation Committee members recommended the city conduct outreach and education before enforcement.<\/p>\n
Orange County Eyes Reckless E-bike Riders<\/p>\n
Fullerton\u2019s new proposed laws come after a series of Orange County cities have passed their own local ordinances to keep bicyclists and motorists safe while also creating additional penalties for people who break the rules.<\/p>\n
[Read: More Orange County Cities Grapple With E-bike Regulations, Youth Safety<\/a>]<\/p>\n In Irvine, officials voted last month to tighten ordinances for e-bikes and scooters \u2014 including more responsibility for parents through citations and fines and updated speed limits on sidewalks and trails.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TRESTLES-SANONOFRE-LEICHTER-2025-3.jpg\")
E-bike riders on a trail in Orange County on April 24, 2025. Credit: ALLIE LEICHTER, Voice of OC<\/p>\n