Canyon Lake Municipal Code Ch. 14.03 Operation of Regulated Mobility Devices

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) "Authorized private enforcement area" means private property, a private road, a private parking facility, a private common area, a private recreational area, a private commercial area, or other private property within the City where the owner, operator, association, or authorized representative has adopted regulations substantially consistent with this chapter, has requested or consented to City enforcement, has entered into any agreement required by the City, has installed required signs, and has satisfied all applicable requirements of this chapter.

(b) "Bicycle" has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 231.

(c) "Bicycle facility" means any public or private improvement, infrastructure, lane, path, route, trail, or area designed, designated, or operated primarily for use by bicycles, electric bicycles, or other regulated mobility devices, whether separated from or shared with other modes of travel.

(d) "Class 1 electric bicycle," "Class 2 electric bicycle," and "Class 3 electric bicycle" have the same meanings as in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5.

(e) "Electric bicycle" has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5.

(f) "Electric motorcycle" means a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, off-highway electric motorcycle, electric off-highway vehicle, or other electric vehicle that is not an electric bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, or electrically motorized board under the California Vehicle Code, and that is powered in whole or in part by an electric motor.

(g) "Electric personal assistive mobility device" has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 313.

(h) "Electrically motorized board" has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 313.5.

(i) "Motorized scooter" has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 407.5.

(j) "Noncompliant electric vehicle" means any electric vehicle, electric motorcycle, off-highway electric motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or similar device that is not lawfully registered, licensed, equipped, identified, or operated as required by the California Vehicle Code, or that is advertised, labeled, modified, or operated as an electric bicycle but does not satisfy the California Vehicle Code definition of an electric bicycle.

(k) "Operator" means any person who operates, rides, drives, propels, controls, or has actual physical control of a regulated mobility device.

(l) "Owner or operator" means the owner, operator, manager, association, property owners association, common interest development board of directors, commercial association, merchant association, managing agent, or other person or entity with legal authority to regulate the private property, private road, private parking facility, private common area, private commercial area, or private recreational area at issue.

(m) "Pedestrian facility" means any public or private improvement, infrastructure, or space designed, designated, or operated primarily for use by pedestrians, including persons using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers, and includes sidewalks, pedestrian paths, pedestrian ways, crosswalks, plazas, walkways, and similar areas.

(n) "Private commercial area" means privately owned or maintained property used for commercial, retail, office, service, restaurant, parking, drive aisle, pedestrian access, or related purposes.

(o) "Private common area" means private property owned, maintained, operated, or regulated by a common interest development, property owners association, homeowners association, or similar entity for the use or benefit of members, residents, guests, invitees, or the public.

(p) "Private parking facility" means a privately owned and maintained off-street parking facility, parking lot, parking structure, drive aisle, access road, or related circulation area.

(q) "Private road" means a privately owned and maintained road, street, lane, drive, access road, or similar vehicular travel way within the City.

(r) "Public area" means any outdoor area open to members of the public for public use, whether owned, leased, maintained, operated, or controlled by the City or by another public or private entity, to the fullest extent regulation by the City is permitted by law.

(s) "Public facility" means any City-owned, City-leased, City-maintained, City-operated, or City-controlled building, park, playground, sports court, athletic field, trail, pathway, parking lot, drainage facility, culvert, channel, open space, or other public property.

(t) "Regulated mobility device" means a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electrically motorized board, motorized scooter, shared mobility device, and any other similar wheeled device or vehicle, whether powered by human power, electric power, or a combination thereof. "Regulated mobility device" does not include a mobility device used by a person with a disability in a manner protected by federal or state law, a low-speed vehicle, or a golf cart.

(u) "Rider" means a passenger or other person riding in or on a regulated mobility device who is not operating the device.

(v) "Shared mobility device" has the same meaning as in California Civil Code Section 2505.

(w) "Vehicle" has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 670.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)

Whenever this chapter refers to any statute, regulation, code, standard, or guideline, the reference shall include all amendments and successor provisions, unless a contrary intent is expressly stated.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)

(a) Prohibited Areas Where Posted. No person shall operate, ride, park, leave, or place any regulated mobility device in any public area, public facility, pedestrian facility, bicycle facility, park, trail, pathway, sidewalk, or authorized private enforcement area where such operation, riding, parking, leaving, or placement is prohibited by posted signs, markings, barriers, or other official notice.

(b) City Manager Authority to Designate Public Restrictions. The City Manager, or designee, may designate public areas, public facilities, parks, trails, pathways, sidewalks, parking lots, and other City-controlled locations where regulated mobility devices are prohibited or subject to additional restrictions based on public safety, pedestrian conflicts, facility design, congestion, special events, construction, maintenance, emergency conditions, or other operational concerns. A list of such locations shall be maintained by the City Clerk and may be amended from time to time by the City Manager.

(c) Sidewalks and Pedestrian Facilities. No person shall operate or ride a regulated mobility device upon any sidewalk or pedestrian facility, except as may be necessary to enter or leave adjacent property or as otherwise expressly authorized by posted signage.

(d) Public Facilities, Parks, and Recreational Areas. No person shall operate or ride a regulated mobility device in or upon any City park, playground, athletic field, sports court, gymnasium, public building, public plaza, public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, channel, landscaped area, or other public facility, except in areas expressly designated for such use by the City.

(e) Trails and Pathways. No person shall operate or ride a regulated mobility device on any trail, pathway, open-space area, equestrian trail, hiking trail, recreational trail, or similar facility where such operation is prohibited by posted signage or by designation of the City Manager. Where operation is allowed, the operator shall yield to pedestrians and equestrians, operate at a reasonable and prudent speed, and dismount when conditions require safe shared use.

(f) Due Care and Unsafe Operation. No person shall operate or ride a regulated mobility device in a manner that is unsafe, reckless, careless, or that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property. Without limiting the foregoing, no person operating or riding a regulated mobility device shall:

(1) Operate at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent for existing conditions, including weather, visibility, traffic, pedestrian activity, roadway or pathway width, surface condition, congestion, or proximity to driveways, intersections, parks, schools, gates, security facilities, commercial areas, or public facilities.

(2) Operate in a manner that fails to yield to pedestrians, vehicles, equestrians, bicycles, golf carts, low-speed vehicles, or other regulated mobility devices when required by law or when reasonably necessary for safety.

(3) Fail to obey posted traffic signs, signals, pavement markings, regulatory signs, or official traffic-control devices.

(4) Ride against the lawful direction of traffic on any public street, private road, roadway, bicycle lane, or bicycle facility.

(5) Perform acrobatics, tricks, stunts, wheelies, jumps, skids, burnouts, or similar maneuvers in any public area, public facility, private road, private parking facility, private common area, private commercial area, authorized private enforcement area, or in any location where pedestrians, vehicles, golf carts, or other regulated mobility devices are present.

(6) Engage in racing, speed contests, exhibition of speed, stunt contests, group riding that obstructs traffic, or any coordinated riding activity that creates a foreseeable collision risk or interferes with the safe movement of pedestrians, vehicles, golf carts, or other devices.

(7) Pass any pedestrian, vehicle, bicycle, equestrian, golf cart, or regulated mobility device at an unsafe speed, without reasonable and prudent lateral clearance, or in a manner that endangers or interferes with the safe movement of the person or device being overtaken.

(8) Carry any package, bundle, item, animal, object, or passenger in a manner that prevents the operator from maintaining full control, safe balance, braking ability, or forward visibility.

(9) Transport any other person on any portion of a regulated mobility device not designed for passenger riding, including handlebars, frame bars, floorboards, cargo areas, baskets, pegs, or any other area not designed and equipped for passengers.

(10) Transport any passenger on a regulated mobility device designed for a single rider.

(11) Cling to, attach to, tow, be towed by, or otherwise connect a regulated mobility device or any operator or rider to any moving vehicle, bicycle, regulated mobility device, golf cart, low-speed vehicle, or other wheeled device, except through equipment specifically designed and lawfully used for that purpose.

(12) Operate with headphones, earbuds, handheld devices, or other distractions in a manner that prevents the operator from safely hearing, seeing, or responding to surrounding conditions.

(13) Operate a regulated mobility device while under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, controlled substances, or any drug to the extent prohibited by state law.

(14) Operate in a manner that intentionally or recklessly frightens, startles, harasses, or threatens pedestrians, motorists, equestrians, bicyclists, golf cart operators, or other members of the public.

(g) Helmets. Any person under 18 years of age operating or riding a regulated mobility device shall wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when required by state law. No person shall operate a Class 3 electric bicycle without a properly fitted and fastened helmet where required by state law.

(h) Equipment Compliance. No person shall operate a regulated mobility device unless the device is equipped and maintained as required by the California Vehicle Code and all other applicable laws, including requirements relating to brakes, reflectors, lights, labels, pedals, speed capability, power output, and other safety equipment.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)

(a) No person shall operate an electric motorcycle, off-highway electric motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or noncompliant electric vehicle on any public street, highway, sidewalk, pedestrian facility, bicycle facility, park, trail, pathway, public facility, public area, private road, private parking facility, private common area, private commercial area, or authorized private enforcement area within the City unless such operation is expressly authorized by the California Vehicle Code and the vehicle is lawfully registered, licensed, equipped, identified, and operated for that location.

(b) No person shall operate, ride, park, store, or place an electric motorcycle, off-highway electric motorcycle, or noncompliant electric vehicle in any City park, playground, athletic field, sports court, public building, public plaza, public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, channel, landscaped area, trail, pathway, or other public facility, except where expressly authorized by the City.

(c) No person shall modify, alter, tamper with, or operate any electric bicycle in a manner that causes the device to exceed the speed, power, pedal, or equipment limits applicable to electric bicycles under the California Vehicle Code.

(d) No person shall represent, operate, or treat any electric motorcycle, off-highway electric motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or other noncompliant electric vehicle as an electric bicycle if the device does not meet the California Vehicle Code definition of an electric bicycle.

(e) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to authorize operation of any vehicle or device in a location where such operation is prohibited by state law, federal law, this Code, posted signage, private rules applicable to an authorized private enforcement area, or lawful direction of a peace officer, code enforcement officer, or City official.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)

(a) General Rule. This chapter applies to all public property and public rights-of-way within the City to the fullest extent permitted by law. This chapter also applies to private property within the City only to the extent permitted by law, including where the private property is an authorized private enforcement area.

(b) This chapter may be enforced on private roads, private common areas, private recreational areas, parking facilities, parks, beaches, trails, pathways, gates, security areas, and other property owned, maintained, operated, or regulated by a common interest development, property owners association, homeowners association, or similar entity (a "Private Entity") only after all of the following have occurred:

(1) The Private Entity has adopted rules, regulations, resolutions, or other governing documents that prohibit or regulate the same conduct prohibited or regulated by this chapter, or has otherwise incorporated this chapter by reference into the Private Entity's rules;

(2) The Private Entity has filed with the City a written request, consent, petition, or agreement requesting or authorizing City enforcement, in a form approved by the City Attorney;

(3) The Private Entity has installed and maintained all signs, markings, notices, traffic-control devices, and entrance notices required by this chapter, the City Manager, and any enforcement agreement; and

(4) The City Manager or designee has determined that the area is appropriate for enforcement and has placed the area on a list of authorized private enforcement areas maintained by the City Clerk.

(c) Private Rules Preserved. Nothing in this chapter limits the ability of a Private Entity, a commercial property owner, or any other private owner or operator to adopt and enforce private rules, regulations, covenants, conditions, restrictions, contractual remedies, access restrictions, trespass remedies, disciplinary rules, member rules, towing policies, or other lawful private-property remedies independent of City enforcement.

(d) No Mandatory Enforcement Duty. The City's acceptance of a private-property enforcement request, petition, consent, or agreement does not require the City, Police Department, code enforcement personnel, or any other public agency to provide patrol, dedicated enforcement, security services, or a particular level of enforcement on private property.

(e) Conditions and Costs. The City Manager may impose reasonable conditions on any private-property enforcement approval.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)

(a) State-Law Removal Authority. A peace officer may remove, seize, store, or impound any regulated mobility device, electric bicycle, Class 3 electric bicycle, electric motorcycle, off-highway electric motorcycle, or noncompliant electric vehicle when authorized by the California Vehicle Code, including but not limited to California Vehicle Code Section 22651.08, or any successor statute.

(b) (1) Public Safety Seizure. In addition to any fines or penalties authorized by this Chapter, and to the extent permitted by state law, a peace officer may seize a regulated mobility device, electric bicycle, Class 3 electric bicycle, electric motorcycle, off-highway electric motorcycle, or noncompliant electric vehicle when the officer has probable cause to believe that the owner or operator has committed a violation of this chapter and that the violation created an immediate or substantial risk to public safety. Such violations may include, but are not limited to:

(A) Reckless operation or exhibition of speed creating an immediate hazard to persons or property;

(B) Willful disregard of traffic-control devices in active traffic, including stop signs, traffic signals, or yield controls;

(C) Unsafe group riding that obstructs traffic or creates a foreseeable collision risk;

(D) Operation in posted areas prohibiting electric bicycle operation when pedestrians are present; or

(E) Operation in a park, playground, sports court, sidewalk, public facility, private road, private parking facility, private common area, private commercial area, or authorized private enforcement area in a manner creating a foreseeable risk of injury or collision.

(2) Seizure under this subsection shall not be authorized for minor technical equipment violations,

lawful conduct that does not present an objectively articulable safety risk, or mere presence in a group absent unsafe conduct.

(c) Notice. Written notice of seizure and instructions for release shall be provided to the operator, if known, and to the owner, parent, or legal guardian when the operator is an unemancipated minor and such information is reasonably available.

(d) Release Conditions. When the regulated mobility device, electric bicycle, Class 3 electric bicycle, electric motorcycle, off-highway electric motorcycle, or noncompliant electric vehicle seized under subsection (b), it may be held for a minimum of 48 hours and released when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The operator has completed a City-approved or Police Department-approved electric bicycle or regulated mobility device safety course;

(2) If the operator is a minor, the minor's parent or legal guardian is present at the time of release, unless waived by the Police Chief or designee for good cause;

(3) The person seeking release provides satisfactory proof of ownership or lawful possession; and

(4) All lawful administrative charges, towing charges, storage charges, or other cost-recovery amounts have been paid, unless waived by the City Manager or designee.

(e) Release of Vehicles Removed Under State Law. Any vehicle or device removed pursuant to the California Vehicle Code shall be released in accordance with applicable state law, including any lawful safety-course, proof-of-ownership, licensing, registration, identification, towing, storage, or administrative requirements.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)

(a) The City may impose administrative charges not exceeding the City's actual and reasonable administrative costs directly related to removal, seizure, towing coordination, storage coordination, documentation, processing, inspection, release, recordkeeping, and enforcement under this chapter, to the extent permitted by law.

(b) Administrative charges may be imposed on the owner, operator, violator, parent, legal guardian, private property owner, association, or other legally responsible person to the extent permitted by state law, this Code, or any applicable enforcement agreement.

(c) Nothing in this Section shall limit the City's authority to recover costs, impose penalties, or pursue any remedy otherwise available under this Code or state law.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)

(a) Any violation of this chapter may be enforced by any remedy available under this Code or state law, including administrative citation, infraction citation, misdemeanor prosecution where authorized, public nuisance abatement, removal, seizure, impoundment, cost recovery, or any other civil, administrative, or criminal remedy.

(b) Unless otherwise specified, any violation of this chapter may be punishable as an infraction or administrative citation. The City Attorney may prosecute any violation as a misdemeanor where the circumstances warrant such treatment, including repeated violations, reckless conduct, injury, property damage, flight from enforcement, false information, or unsafe operation.

(c) In lieu of a fine, administrative citation, or other enforcement remedy, the City Attorney may allow a violator to complete a safety course approved by the Police Chief or designee. Eligibility for diversion may be denied based on the seriousness of the violation, prior violations, injury, property damage, failure to cooperate, or other public safety considerations.

(d) Each act, each day, and each device involved in a violation may constitute a separate violation.

(e) The remedies provided in this chapter are cumulative and not exclusive.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)

(a) The parent of any minor child, and the guardian of any ward, shall not authorize, knowingly permit, or fail to take reasonable steps to prevent the minor child or ward from violating this chapter.

(b) A parent or legal guardian may be held jointly and severally responsible with an unemancipated minor for administrative fines, penalties, charges, or cost recovery imposed as a result of the minor's violation, to the extent permitted by state law.

(c) Evidence that a parent or guardian supplied, purchased, leased, provided access to, maintained, modified, or knowingly allowed a minor to use a regulated mobility device, electric motorcycle, or noncompliant electric vehicle in violation of this chapter may be considered in determining whether the parent or guardian authorized or knowingly permitted the violation.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)

(a) Public Agency Personnel. City personnel, law enforcement personnel, fire personnel, emergency medical personnel, and other public agency personnel may operate regulated mobility devices or other vehicles in any location within the City when reasonably necessary in the performance of official duties.

(b) Private Security Personnel. Private security personnel, parking enforcement personnel, property management personnel, and other authorized private-property personnel may operate regulated mobility devices or other vehicles on private property when reasonably necessary in the performance of assigned duties and when authorized by the property owner or operator.

(c) Disability and Mobility Devices. This chapter shall not prohibit or restrict the safe use of mobility devices by persons with disabilities in a manner protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, or any other applicable federal or state law.

(d) Emergency Conditions. This chapter shall not prohibit operation of a regulated mobility device or vehicle when reasonably necessary to respond to an emergency, avoid imminent harm, or comply with the lawful direction of a peace officer, firefighter, emergency responder, security officer, gate attendant, or City official.

(Ord. 281, passed 8-5-2026)