Love taking your e-bike around LA? Many cyclists prefer e-bikes because they’re quick and great for hassle-free riding. However, they’re also heavier and not as maneuverable as your average bike. You may have heard about new developments on Los Angeles regulations around e-bikes.
As recently as last month, the LA City Council has taken steps to tighten e-bike usage. Council members unanimously voted to request the City Attorney’s Office to prepare an ordinance. This new ordinance would ban electric bikes on certain trails shared by hikers, regular bikers and horseback riders.
If you’re an e-cyclist, some things are going to change very soon.
E-bikes on outdoor trails
Don’t worry— it’s not a total ban. The proposed ban on e-bikes is mostly confined to hiking trails and outdoor paths shared by hikers and residents alike. E-bike cyclists can still use paved paths, streets and other dedicated bike lanes.
High-powered e-bikes may be a no-go on park trails and you can expect fines or other penalties moving forward. Enthusiasts like yourself can still enjoy outdoor trails using regular bikes!
Enhanced cyclist safety
The new ordinance builds upon previous laws such as AB 1909— which clarifies your legal rights as a cyclist and also gives local agencies authority to prohibit e-bikes on specific recreational trails or bike paths.
With e-bikes faster and more powerful than ever, cyclists have more responsibility for ensuring the safety of themselves and others. Keeping track of new updates to laws can help you avoid new fines.
Other cities to follow
The city of Los Angeles isn’t the only one in LA county looking to limit the use of e-bikes in certain locations. Cities like Long Beach have already voted to ban e-bikes and motorized scooters from its boardwalks and beaches.
With stricter regulations around the use of e-bikes in cities around LA, you might want to exercise caution to avoid penalties. You can easily avoid e-bicycle collisions and accidents by following city laws and ordinances. A local lawyer can assist you in case of any cycling-related incidents that result in legal issues.
