Highland Municipal Code Ch. 8.60 Electric Bikes and Electric Mobility Devices

For the purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise specifically provided, the words and phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:

"Bicycle"

has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 231, as it may be amended from time to time.

"City"

means the City of Highland.

"Electric bicycle" or "e-bike"

has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5, as it may be amended from time to time, and which, as of the date of the adoption of this chapter, provides that an "electric bicycle" is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts, and are categorized under Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.

"Electric mobility device"

means any electric bicycle or e-bike, pocket bike, electric scooter, electrically motorized board, or other device that is designed to convey one or more people and is capable of being powered by human propulsion or electric motor propulsion.

"Electric personal assistive mobility device"

has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 313, as it may be amended from time to time.

"Electrically motorized board"

has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 313.5, as it may be amended from time to time.

"Minor"

means any person under the age of 18.

"Motorized scooter"

has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 407.5, as it may be amended from time to time.

"Operator"

means a person who operates and/or controls an electric mobility device.

"Pedestrian"

has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 467, as it may be amended from time to time.

"Pocket bike"

has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 473, as it may be amended from time to time.

"Public area"

means any outdoor area, public alley, parkway, public transportation path, roadway, right-of-way, sidewalk, park, trail, paseo, pathway or street that is owned, granted by easement, operated or controlled by the City.

"Unsafe manner"

is defined as an act in violation of the City Municipal Code, California Vehicle Code, or any other applicable state or federal law. For purposes of this section, operation of an electric mobility device in an "unsafe manner" also includes operating in such a way that constitutes a danger to the operator, passenger, other motorist, other rider, pedestrian, or property.

"Vehicle"

has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code Section 670, as it may be amended from time to time.

(Ord. 482, 5/12/2026)

A. No person shall operate or ride an electric mobility device: (1) upon any public sidewalk; (2) in any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, or channel; (3) outside of any roadway or other paved public area; (4) in or upon any public park, athletic field, athletic/sports court, or gymnasium in the city; or (5) over any equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail.

B. No person shall ride a bicycle, e-bike, moped, motorized scooter, or any other electric mobility device, in an unsafe manner in any public area. Examples of riding in an unsafe manner include, but are not limited to, the following actions:

1. Not yielding to vehicles or pedestrians when required.

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

3. Failing to obey posted traffic or other signs.

4. Engaging in racing, speed, or stunt contests.

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

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

7. Performing any acrobatics, tricks, wheelies, or stunts when pedestrians or moving vehicles are present.

C. Operators shall allow the inspection of electric mobility devices upon lawful contact with police officers or code enforcement officers to determine if the rider is legally allowed to operate such electric mobility device.

(Ord. 482, 5/12/2026)

A. Any person, including a minor, who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to penalties, fines, and enforcement procedures set forth in Chapters 1.24 and 2.56 of this Municipal Code.

B. In the case of a minor committing a violation under this chapter, the parent or guardian may be held responsible for the violation and any associated penalties or fines. If the minor's activities result in damage to public property, the city may, pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1714.1, pursue a civil complaint against the minor's parent(s) or guardian(s) having custody and control of the minor for every tort resulting in property damage.

C. Impoundment.

1. In addition to all other available penalties, police officers and code enforcement officers shall have the authority to take immediate possession of and transport the electric mobility device for safekeeping if an individual is found in violation of any provisions of this chapter, and the individual was operating the electric mobility device in a manner that constitutes an immediate danger to the health and safety of the operator or to members of the public, thus constituting an exigent circumstance.

2. Upon impoundment of any electric mobility device under this chapter, the individual shall be issued a receipt. Said receipt shall state the days, business hours, location, and process by which the owner may claim the impounded device within 30 days. The citation receipt shall also explain that unclaimed devices impounded for longer than 30 days will be disposed subject to an opportunity for a pre-disposal hearing or sold at an auction in accordance with laws governing the disposal of abandoned property.

3. The impounded device shall be released to the individual, or the individual's parent or legal guardian if the individual is a minor, upon proof that the individual owns the electric mobility device.

4. The City Council may adopt a resolution to provide additional impoundment procedures to implement this subsection.

(Ord. 482, 5/12/2026)

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

B. First responders, as defined under California Government Code Section 8562, are exempt from this chapter while in the performance of their duties.

(Ord. 482, 5/12/2026)