Lathrop Municipal Code § 9.28.010 Definitions

"Bicycle"

means a device upon which any person may ride, propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears, having one or more wheels. An electric bicycle is a bicycle.

"Electric bicycle"

shall have the same meaning as provided in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5, as may be amended from time to time, and means a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

"Motorized bicycle"

shall have the same meaning as provided in California Vehicle Code Section 406, as may be amended from time to time.

"Motorized scooter"

shall have the same meaning as provided in California Vehicle Code Section 407.5, as may be amended from time to time, and means any two-wheeled device with handlebars, a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding, and powered by an electric motor.

"Pocket bike"

means a miniature motorcycle or similar motor-driven device, whether gas-powered or electric-powered, designed to resemble a motorcycle and not manufactured for lawful operation on public streets or highways unless otherwise compliant with the California Vehicle Code.

"Similar device"

means any wheeled transportation device powered by human power, electric power, or motorized propulsion that is substantially similar in operation to the devices identified in this chapter.

(Ord. 24-457, 4/8/2024; Ord. 26-482, 6/8/2026)

Where the provisions of the California Vehicle Code have been violated by any individual, the chief of police or their designee may prohibit the operation of a bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device used in such violation upon the streets, alleys, and public places in the city for a period not to exceed 30 days. Such bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device shall be impounded by the chief of police or their designee and retained during the period for which the operation is prohibited.

(Ord. 24-457, 4/8/2024; Ord. 26-482, 6/8/2026)

The chief of police or their designee may impound and retain possession of any bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device operated, parked or used in violation of any of the provisions of the California Vehicle Code or this chapter, and may retain possession of any such bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device until criminal proceedings are completed or for a period not to exceed 30 days. The chief of police or their designee are hereby authorized to store any bicycles, electric bicycles, motorized scooters, motorized bicycles, pocket bikes, or similar devices impounded under this authority.

(Ord. 24-457, 4/8/2024; Ord. 26-482, 6/8/2026)

In lieu of the imposition of penalties authorized by this title and/or the filing of charges in a court of competent jurisdiction, the chief of police or chief of police designee may allow a first-time violator of this chapter to complete an agency-approved bicycle, electric bicycle, scooter, or traffic safety course, if and when such a program is available.

(Ord. 26-482, 6/8/2026)

No person shall ride or operate any bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, pocket bike, or similar device upon any sidewalk within the city in a manner that endangers the safety of any pedestrian or interferes with the reasonable use of the sidewalk by pedestrians. No person shall ride or operate any motorized scooter upon any sidewalk except as otherwise permitted by the California Vehicle Code. No person shall ride or operate any pocket bike upon any sidewalk, park pathway, trail, or other public pedestrian way within the city. The chief of police or their designee may enforce the provisions of this section consistent with this chapter and applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code.

(Ord. 26-482, 6/8/2026)