Winters tightens rules for e-bikes and e-motos. Where riders can go, what’s banned

Cities across the capital region are tightening restrictions on e-bikes and e-motorcycles amid growing concerns about unsafe riding.

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Winters is the latest to impose new restrictions, with rules that took effect last week giving police broader authority to cite riders, impound some devices used by minors and restrict where e-bikes, scooters and off-highway electric motorcycles — known as e-motos — can be ridden.

The western Yolo County city’s five-member council first discussed the proposed rules in July following an increase in complaints about riders speeding, swerving into traffic, riding recklessly and operating off-highway electric motorcycles on public streets.

The council unanimously approved the ordinance Aug. 4 as part of its consent calendar.

“Locally, there has been an increase in complaints regarding unsafe operation of these devices,” according to a staff report. “Including riding on sidewalks, excessive speeds, reckless operation, operation in parks and pedestrian areas, and the use of off-highway electric motorcycles on public streets.”

The crackdown comes as cities grapple with complaints about speeding, reckless riding and increasingly powerful electric motorcycles that can resemble e-bikes but reach much higher speeds. A rise in reported injuries from e-bike and scooter collisions has added to safety concerns across the region.

Elk Grove approved new e-bike rules last month, while Folsom is weighing restrictions ahead of a vote later this month.

Galt moved even earlier, passing an urgency ordinance late last year that set speed limits and equipment requirements for electric devices and gave police authority to tow them. City officials said the changes followed complaints about riders speeding, failing to wear helmets and engaging in other unsafe behavior.

The new rules are needed because state law has not kept up with the growing popularity of e-bikes, Police Chief John Miller told the council at a July meeting. Winters police reported an increase in incidents of “swerving,” in which e-bike riders veer into oncoming lanes of traffic and cut back at the last second.

Reckless behavior aside, e-bike collisions can be fatal, he said.

“Their speed is very substantial and their weight is very substantial,” Miller said. For example, the e-bike he uses when he goes hunting can run up to 28 mph and weighs 70 pounds. “That is a lot of mass,” he said.

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The new rules require riders to follow all traffic laws, yield to pedestrians, ride safely and stick to reasonable speeds. The city implemented a 20 mph speed limit for e-conveyances in areas where a speed limit is not already established.

The ordinance also targets off-highway electric motorcycles, commonly known as e-motos, which are designed primarily for off-road use and do not have pedals. The devices are prohibited from bicycle lanes, paths and trails in Winters unless the city specifically allows them.

The issue surfaced in town last May, when Winters police arrested a 13-year-old they said repeatedly fled from officers on an e-motorcycle capable of reaching 49 mph. Police said the teen did not have the license endorsement required to legally operate the device on public roads.

The new rules generally prohibit riding on sidewalks and in city parks, playgrounds and school grounds, while allowing the city to restrict the devices in other public areas. They also include lighting and helmet requirements. Under the ordinance, riders cannot carry more passengers than an e-bike or scooter was designed to carry, perform wheelies or other stunts, or use a cellphone or headphones while riding.

The penalty for a first violation of the new rules will be a $50 fine, except for the helmet requirement, which will carry a $25 penalty. Subsequent violations other than helmet violations will carry a $100 fine.

Juvenile offenders will be offered opportunities to participate in safety diversion programs. If they do not complete the programs, their citations will be sent to the county’s juvenile traffic court. Before the ordinance, all juvenile infractions had to be forwarded to the county. The city plans to use a free online e-bike safety course developed by the California Highway Patrol.

Winters also authorized police to impound devices operated unsafely by minors under limited circumstances. Any device impounded from someone under 18 will be held for a minimum of two days, then released only to a parent or guardian after impound fees are paid and the minor completes a traffic safety program.

“We’re protecting the community, protecting the juvenile,” Miller said. “We’re also ensuring that the device isn’t continued to be used in an unlawful manner.”

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