Santa Ana advances e-bike limits, expands proposed enforcement powers

Santa Ana council members unanimously introduced an ordinance Tuesday that would limit e-bike speeds and riding locations and allow police to cite parents who permit violations, according to Voice of OC. Police reported five e-bike-related deaths in the city over the past three years.

The proposal would give Santa Ana officers additional authority to take custody of e-bikes ridden by minors who violate the rules. It comes as Anaheim develops officer training and Orange County prosecutors pursue child endangerment cases against parents over unsafe riding, Voice of OC reported.

The council introduced the measure without discussion at its Tuesday meeting, Voice of OC reported. Among the deaths police cited was an Aug. 11 death at Santiago Street and Santa Ana Boulevard.

Under the proposal, riders could not exceed 5 mph near school zones or where pedestrians are present. Riding would also be prohibited on civic center sidewalks, playgrounds, public sports fields and dirt walking paths, according to Voice of OC.

The ordinance would ban wheelies and jumps, along with passengers beyond a bike’s capacity. Riders who violate the rules three or more times within a year could face a fine of up to $250.

Officers could take temporary custody of a minor’s e-bike after a violation if a parent is not present, holding it for a guardian to collect. The measure would also permit 48-hour impoundment when a child under 16 rides a Class 3 e-bike, which can provide motor assistance up to 28 mph. Parents who allow violations could receive citations, Voice of OC reported.

Anaheim officials are expected to review enforcement and education efforts at their Tuesday meeting. According to an Anaheim staff report cited by Voice of OC, police are preparing a 16-hour course for officers covering electric bicycle and electric motorcycle laws.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer’s office announced that prosecutors are filing child endangerment charges against six more parents across the county, Voice of OC reported. Prosecutors are also charging two parents whose 13-year-old son died after an electric motorcycle crash in Garden Grove in May. Prosecutors allege the father had been warned multiple times.

Santa Ana police Sgt. Travis Johnson said the proposal is intended to clarify riding rules, support enforcement and promote safer behavior rather than discourage e-bike use, according to Voice of OC.