Carpinteria Municipal Code Ch. 10.60 Bicycles and Electric Mobility Devices

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 795, § 2, adopted Feb. 9, 2026, repealed the former Ch. 10.60, §§ 10.60.010—10.60.150 and enacted a new Ch. 10.60 as set out herein. The former Ch. 10.60 pertained to bicycles and derived from the prior code §§ 3400—3412; Ord. 247, § 5 part, adopted in 1978; Ord. 452, § 1, adopted in 1989; Ord. 452, § 2, adopted in 1989.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Carpinteria residents, businesses, and visitors by regulating the operation of bicycles and electric mobility devices. The city supports the use of bicycles and electric mobility devices as an alternative mode of transportation, but recognizes that increased usage has created safety concerns about operator interactions with pedestrians, riders, and motorists that warrant regulation.

(Ord. No. 795, § 2, 2-9-2026)

Every person operating a bicycle or electric mobility device upon the highways, streets, or public areas of the city has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle under this code and the California Vehicle Code, except those provisions which by their nature have no application.

(Ord. No. 795, § 2, 2-9-2026)

Except where the context otherwise requires, the following definitions apply. Whenever a reference is made to a state code, the reference applies to the then-current version of such statute.

A. "Bicycle" means a device defined in California Vehicle Code Section 231.

B. "Bikeway" has the same meaning as defined in Streets and Highways Code Section 890.4.

C. "Electric bicycle" means a bicycle equipped with operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed seven hundred and fifty watts of power, and shall include Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 electric bicycles as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5. An electric bicycle may also be referred to herein as an "e-bike."

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 twenty 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 twenty miles per hour.

3. " Class 3 electric bicycle," or " speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle," is 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 twenty-eight miles per hour and is equipped with a speedometer.

D. "Electric mobility device" includes the following, each as defined in this chapter or the California Vehicle Code:

1. "Electric bicycles;"

2. "Electric personal assistive mobility devices," or EPAMD, as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 313;

3. "Electrically motorized board" as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 313.5;

4. "Motorized scooter" as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 407.5;

5. Any other device that is designed to convey one or more people and is capable of being powered by human propulsion or electric motor propulsion.

E. "Minor" means a person under the age of eighteen.

F. "Narrow width lane" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

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

H. "Pedestrian" has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 467.

I. "Public Area" means any outdoor area that is open to the public, whether publicly or privately owned.

J. " Vehicle" has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 670.

(Ord. No. 795, § 2, 2-9-2026)

A. Bicycle licensing and registration shall comply with California Vehicle Code Sections 39000 et seq.

B. No person shall remove, alter, or deface any serial number or identification mark on a bicycle or on an electric mobility device.

(Ord. No. 795, § 2, 2-9-2026)

A. No Operating or Riding of Bicycles or Electric Mobility Devices on Sidewalks and Public Facilities in the Central Traffic District. It is unlawful to operate a bicycle or an electric mobility device upon any sidewalk in the Central Traffic District (Carpinteria Municipal Code Section 10.04.030) in the city. In addition, no person shall operate or ride a bicycle or an electric mobility device: (1) in any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, or channel; (2) in or upon any public athletic field, athletic/sports court, or gymnasium in the city; (3) within the boundaries of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park (Chapter 12.24.021); or (4) within the boundaries of the Carpinteria Skate Park (Chapter 12.24.101). Nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit operation of any e-bike upon any bikeway.

B. Duty to Operate Bicycles and Electric Mobility Devices With Due Care and Reduced Speed.

1. Every person riding a bicycle or electric mobility device has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle as defined in this code and the Vehicle Code, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.

2. The operator of an electric mobility device shall exercise all due care and shall reduce the speed of the device, obey all traffic laws, and take all other actions relating to the operation of the device as necessary to protect the safety of the operator, passengers, and any persons or other vehicles or devices in the vicinity. In no case shall an operator operate an electric mobility device in excess of the maximum speed permitted under the California Vehicle Code for that class of device.

3. No person shall ride a bicycle, motorized scooter, or any other electric mobility device, in an unsafe manner in any public area. "Unsafe manner" means and includes operating a device in any manner whatsoever that displays a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of the operator, or other persons or property. Examples of riding in an unsafe manner may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:

a. Riding on a public street or bikeway against the flow of traffic.

b. Not yielding to vehicles or pedestrians when required.

c. Operating an electric mobility device in a manner it was not designed for, including carrying passengers when not designed for carrying passengers.

d. Failing to obey posted traffic or other signs.

e. A person under the age of eighteen riding without a properly fitted and fastened helmet.

f. Engaging in racing or speed contests.

g. Carrying any package, bundle, item or article which prohibits the operator from having full control and forward visibility at all times.

h. Operating an electric mobility device at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing, taking into account the weather, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and the surface and width of the sidewalk or roadway.

i. Performing any acrobatics, tricks, wheelies, or stunts when pedestrians or vehicles are in close proximity.

j. Clinging or attaching to any moving vehicle, or other moving motorized or non-motorized wheeled device.

4. Any person operating a bicycle or an electric mobility device upon a street at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except under any of the following situations:

a. When overtaking and passing another bicycle, electric mobility device, or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

b. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

c. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, electric mobility devices, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes).

d. When operating as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway on a one-way street.

5. Persons riding or operating a bicycle or an electric mobility device shall not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of a roadway set aside for the exclusive use of Bicycles.

6. No person shall transport a passenger on a bicycle or an electric mobility device designed for a single person.

7. Any person operating a bicycle or an electric mobility device who is emerging from an alley, driveway, bicycle path, building or otherwise approaching upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area, shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians on such sidewalk or sidewalk area, and upon entering a bicycle lane, highway, or street shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, buses, bicycles, and electric mobility devices on the roadway.

8. Operators shall allow the inspection of electric mobility devices upon lawful contact with law or code enforcement and when supported by reasonable suspicion to determine if the rider is legally allowed to operate such electric mobility device, and/or when such officer has a reasonable suspicion that the device has been unlawfully modified, or otherwise as authorized by law.

(Ord. No. 795, § 2, 2-9-2026)

No person shall leave or park a Bicycle or an electric mobility device in a manner that obstructs the pedestrian travel way of any sidewalk or pedestrian path, or on public property in violation of any official sign prohibiting parking of an electric mobility device at a location.

(Ord. No. 795, § 2, 2-9-2026)

A. All persons under the age of eighteen operating or riding as a passenger upon a bicycle or an electric mobility device on a public street, public right-of-way, public place, or place open to the public for vehicle and pedestrian travel must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.

B. No person may operate, or ride as a passenger on, a Class 3 electric bicycle without a helmet regardless of age.

C. No person under sixteen years of age may operate a Class 3 electric bicycle.

D. No person shall operate an electric mobility device unless it is equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

E. All bicycles and electric bicycles shall have reflectors affixed to both the front and back wheels and on the rear of the bicycle or electric bicycle.

F. All bicycles and electric bicycles operated during darkness shall be equipped with a lamp emitting a white light that, while it is in motion, illuminates the ground in front of the bicycle or electric bicycle and is visible from a distance of three hundred feet in front and from the sides.

G. No person shall remove, destroy, mutilate or otherwise alter the serial number permanently stamped or cast on a bicycle or electric mobility device's frame by the bicycle or electric mobility device manufacturer.

(Ord. No. 795, § 2, 2-9-2026)

A. Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter may be subject to administrative citation as described in Chapter 1.06.

B. Appeal. Administrative citations issued pursuant to this chapter may be appealed according to the provisions of Chapter 1.06 of this code. In reviewing an appeal, the hearing officer shall take into consideration the person's ability to pay the fine and may make an appropriate reduction of the fine.

C. Violations By Minors.

1. As an alternative to paying any fine associated with the administrative citation, any minor cited for violating any provision of this chapter may participate in a youth diversion program (or a substantially similar program if the youth diversion program should cease to operate) that will help facilitate education on bicycle and electric mobility device safety. Action on the citation, including the payment of any associated fine, will be held in abeyance until such time the minor timely completes the youth diversion program. Upon completion of the youth diversion program, the citation will be dismissed by the city. If a minor refuses to participate in the youth diversion program or otherwise does not timely complete it, any fine will be due in accordance with this section. In cases where said program is not timely completed, which determination will be at the city's sole discretion, the fine shall be due within thirty days' notice by the city that the minor has failed to timely complete the program. Notice by the city to the minor will be deemed accomplished within three days of deposit with the post office by first class U.S. mail.

2. The youth diversion program shall only be available for a first-time offense.

3. The minor or the parents or legal guardian(s) of that minor have the right to appeal an administrative citation pursuant to Section 1.06.110 prior to enrolling into the youth diversion program.

4. Each parent or legal guardian having custody and control of a minor who is issued an administrative citation for violation of this chapter shall be jointly and severally liable with such minor for payment of the fine. With respect to minors whose bicycling activities are in violation of this chapter and where such activities result in damage to public property, the city may, pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1714.1, pursue a civil complaint in tort for property damage caused by such activity against the minor's parent(s) or guardian having custody and control of the minor.

5. If a minor is cited or arrested for a violation of any section in this chapter, a peace officer may impound an electric mobility device, such that the conveyance may be released to a responsible adult. The fee for release will be consistent with the County of Santa Barbara Fee Schedule and payable to County. Bicycles and electric mobility devices impounded and retained by the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office hereunder shall be considered abandoned after a period in excess of ninety days and may be disposed of as provided by Civil Code Sections 2080.1—2080.6.

(Ord. No. 795, § 2, 2-9-2026)

A. The restrictions in this chapter do not apply to persons with mobility disabilities properly utilizing a wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.) and Section 36.311 of Title 28 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

B. City and other public agency personnel, including but not limited to "first responders" as defined in California Government Code Section 8562, are exempt from this chapter while in the performance of their duties.

(Ord. No. 795, § 2, 2-9-2026)