Beaumont Municipal Code Ch. 10.35 Use of Protective Helmets for Operators of Human-Powered And…

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Beaumont residents, businesses, and visitors by requiring the use of protective helmets for all persons operating a broad range of human-powered and electric-assisted devices including, but not limited to, bicycles, nonmotorized scooters, skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, electric bicycles and electric mobility devices (as defined in Section 10.35.020, Definitions) ("Human-powered and electric-assisted devices") within the City. This chapter aims to:

A. Reduce the incidence and severity of head injuries and other physical harm resulting from accidents involving human-powered and electric-assisted devices;

B. Promote responsible and safe usage of human-powered and electric-assisted devices on public roadways, paths, and trails;

C. Establish clear safety standards and requirements for the operation of human-powered and electric-assisted devices;

D. Encourage the adoption of human-powered and electric-assisted devices as environmentally friendly transportation alternatives while ensuring such adoption does not compromise public safety; and

E. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to preempt, supersede, or conflict with any provision of California state law, including but not limited to the California Vehicle Code § 21212 and California Vehicle Code § 21213. Where this chapter imposes requirements that are more stringent than those set forth in California state law, such requirements are intended to be in addition to rather than conflict with state law requirements.

(Ord. No. 1193, § 2(Exh. A), 11-4-2025)

A. "Bicycle" shall have the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 231.

B. "Electric bicycle" shall have the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5, and shall be classified as follows:

1. "Class 1 electric bicycle" or "low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle" means a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

2. "Class 2 electric bicycle" or "low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle" means a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

3. "Class 3 electric bicycle" or "speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle" means a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour and is equipped with a speedometer.

C. "Electric mobility device" means any wheeled device powered by an electric motor that is designed to transport only one person, including but not limited to electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric unicycles, hoverboards, and similar self-balancing devices and as defined below:

1. "Electric personal assistive mobility device" as defined in Cal. Veh. Code § 313.

2. "Electrically motorized board" as defined in Cal. Veh. Code § 313.5.

3. "Motorized scooter" as defined in Cal. Veh. Code § 407.5.

4. "Pocket bike" as defined in Cal. Veh. Code § 473(a).

D. "Nonmotorized scooter" means a manually powered scooter that is propelled by pushing with one foot or both feet.

E. "Skateboard" means a board mounted on wheels, typically ridden by standing and propelled manually.

F. "In-line skates" or "roller skates" means foot-mounted skates with two or more wheels in a line or side-by-side configuration used for rolling on surfaces.

G. "Helmet" means a properly fitted and fastened head covering, designed to protect the user from head injuries during impact, that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities.

H. "Operator" means a person who owns, operates, and/or controls an electric bicycle or electric mobility device.

I. "Public area" means any outdoor area that is open to the public, whether publicly or privately owned, including but not limited to streets, sidewalks, paths, trails, parks, and recreational areas.

(Ord. No. 1193, § 2(Exh. A), 11-4-2025)

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride as a passenger on a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, in-line skates, roller skates, electric bicycle of Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3, or any electric mobility device, in any public area within the City of Beaumont unless such person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets the safety standards established in Section 10.35.020(G) of this chapter.

B. The helmet requirement set forth in this section shall apply to all persons, regardless of age, operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, in-line skates, roller skates, electric bicycle or electric mobility device within the City's jurisdiction.

C. Parents or legal guardians of minors shall be responsible for ensuring that their children comply with the provisions of this section.

(Ord. No. 1193, § 2(Exh. A), 11-4-2025)

A. Any person found to be in violation of this chapter shall be subject to the following penalties:

1. First offense: A fine of $25.00.

2. Second offense within 12 months: A fine of $50.00.

3. Third and subsequent offenses within 12 months: A fine of $100.00.

B. In the event the operator of the bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, in-line skates, roller skates, electric bicycle or electric mobility device is a juvenile, the City shall make reasonable efforts to contact the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the operator and advise them of the violation.

C. Each parent or legal guardian having custody and control of a minor who is issued a citation for violation of this chapter shall be jointly and severally liable with such minor for payment of the fine.

D. The City shall establish a hardship waiver program for individuals who demonstrate financial inability to pay the fines established in this section..

(Ord. No. 1193, § 2(Exh. A), 11-4-2025)

A. This chapter shall not apply to City personnel operating electric bicycles or other vehicles while performing their official duties.

B. This chapter shall not apply to persons with mobility disabilities utilizing wheelchairs or other power-driven mobility devices in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

C. The City Manager or designee may grant temporary exemptions from the requirements of this chapter for special events or circumstances, provided that adequate alternative safety measures are implemented.

(Ord. No. 1193, § 2(Exh. A), 11-4-2025)