Following community debate over safety versus access to alternative mobility options, city leaders in La Mesa voted to ban e-bike use for riders under 12.
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The proposal has divided local parents; while some say their families rely on e-bikes to navigate the city’s hilly terrain, others want stronger regulations for the motorized bikes. The La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve the ordinance.
Councilmember Laura Lothian recently reversed her support for the policy, arguing it would penalize bikers without improving safety.
“I believe that the proper way to protect kids and reduce danger on the street is actually to enforce already existing laws and rules,” Lothian said.
A new state pilot program greenlit cities to impose age restrictions for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, which are equipped with motors that allow both types to reach up to 20 mph. Since then, a growing number of cities have opted to further regulate e-bikes, citing a growing number of incidents and safety concerns.
After the ordinance received its initial approval, some La Mesa families pushed back, saying it would penalize safe riders and fail to properly mitigate risk.
“The ordinance does not properly address the issues that we have or enable the officers to effectively enforce it,” said Derek Knight, a resident of La Mesa who regularly rides e-bikes with his family. “We shouldn’t pass a ban on the only group that actually follows the law; 12-year-olds are not doing wheelies on electric bicycles, they’re simply not, and most aren’t even riding without their parents.”
On the other hand, Councilmember Genevieve Suzuki said the policy will protect young riders from injuries, citing a growing number of traumatic e-bike related cases at Rady Children’s Hospital.
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The change will not impact older teens who are more prone to reckless riding, Knight said, noting that it asks La Mesa police to “profile children based on age.”
While many opponents suggested an amended ordinance that focused on reckless riding, the city attorney reiterated the state pilot program sets strong guidelines for local regulations.
La Mesa’s enforcement of reckless e-bike riding has been slim-to-none, Lothian said, noting that the police chief said the city has issued just 3 e-bike citations to date.
“It’s going to become law after the pilot program is over,” Mayor Mark Arapostathis said. “You’re right, we need better enforcement.”
City leaders agreed to revisit the issue in the coming years to further discuss road safety.
The ordinance will take effect in 30 days and it will be followed by a 60-day grace period before citations and fines can be issued.
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