Bishop Municipal Code Ch. 10.54 Electric Bicycles, Electric Scooters, and Electrically Motorized Boards

All provisions of the California Vehicle Code relating to the operation of electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electrically motorized boards are hereby incorporated into this chapter by reference and shall apply to the operation of such devices within the city. Terms used in this chapter shall have the meanings given in the California Vehicle Code unless otherwise defined herein.

(Ord. No. 598, § 1, 8-11-2025)

For purposes of this chapter:

A. Device means any electric bicycle (including Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3), electric scooter, or electrically motorized board, as those terms are defined in the California Vehicle Code.

B. Operator means any person who operates, rides upon, or is in actual physical control of a device.

(Ord. No. 598, § 1, 8-11-2025)

A. Every person operating a device within the city shall comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter, the California Vehicle Code, and all traffic control devices.

B. No person shall operate a device in a manner that endangers the safety of the operator or other persons.

C. Every operator shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times.

D. No person shall perform or attempt to perform stunts, tricks, or acrobatic maneuvers on any street, sidewalk, or other public way.

(Ord. No. 598, § 1, 8-11-2025)

A. No person shall operate a device in any location where the operation of bicycles is prohibited by this Code or by posted signage.

B. The city council may designate additional locations by resolution where device operation is prohibited if it determines such operation creates a public safety hazard. The city shall post appropriate signage for any location so designated.

(Ord. No. 598, § 1, 8-11-2025)

A. Electrically motorized boards and Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles may be operated on sidewalks, unless otherwise prohibited by this chapter, and subject to the following conditions:

1. The device shall not be operated at a speed exceeding five miles per hour;

2. The operator shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians;

3. The operator shall provide an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian;

4. The operator shall dismount and walk the device when sidewalk conditions make riding unsafe.

B. No person shall operate Class 3 electric bicycles or electric scooters on any sidewalk except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property, and then only by the most direct route.

C. No person shall operate any device on sidewalks adjacent to:

1. Schools during school hours (7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on school days);

2. Places of worship during scheduled services;

3. Parks during organized events;

4. Any location where operation is prohibited by posted signage.

(Ord. No. 598, § 1, 8-11-2025)

A. No person shall operate an electric bicycle at a speed exceeding 15 miles per hour on any bicycle path as defined in section 10.50.010(D) of this Code.

B. No person shall operate any device at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing.

(Ord. No. 598, § 1, 8-11-2025)

A. Every device must be parked in an upright position.

B. No person shall park a device in a manner that obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

C. No person shall park a device in landscaped areas or attach a device to trees or plants.

(Ord. No. 598, § 1, 8-11-2025)

A. For the first 90 days following the effective date of this chapter, enforcement shall be limited to education and warnings.

B. Violations of this chapter shall be punishable as follows:

1. First offense: Written warning;

2. Second offense: $50.00 fine;

3. Third and subsequent offenses: $100.00 fine.

C. Nothing in this chapter shall limit the authority of peace officers to enforce applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code.

(Ord. No. 598, § 1, 8-11-2025)