By TR Robertson Photos from Rosemary Eshelman
The March meeting of the Carlsbad Unified School District Youth Enrichment Services (YES) Collaborative featured a presentation by Carlsbad Police Officer Ricardo Huerta on the City of Carlsbad Rules and Regulations relating to E-Bikes and E-Bike safety. The City of Carlsbad was the first city in this region to pass local laws relating to E-Bikes, scooters, and similar modes of transportation. Anyone cited for a violation of the rules of the road can avoid penalties if they agree to take a safety course sponsored by the Carlsbad Police Department. All bicyclists and E-Bike riders are subject to the same rules of the road as vehicular drivers and are subject to ticketing and fines as defined by the California Vehicle Code.
E-Bikes are divided into three classes. Class 1 pedal assisted E-Bikes can only have a maximum speed of 20 mph, are not allowed on sidewalks, and operators under 18 must wear a helmet. Class 2 throttle assisted E-Bikes can only have a maximum speed of 20 mph, are not allowed on sidewalks and operators under 18 must wear a helmet. Class 3 pedal assisted E-Bikes can only have a maximum speed of 28 mph, operators must be 16 years old and older, and operators of all ages must wear a helmet.
Bicycles, E-Bikes and scooters are subject to all traffic lights, traffic signs and signals. This means stopping at all red lights, stop signs and stopping before making right turns at red lights and stopping for pedestrians. When riding on trails, operators of E-Bikes and scooters must dismount and walk the devices on trails less than 5 feet wide within 50 feet of a pedestrian or horse rider. Bicycles, E-Bikes and scooters are not allowed to be attached to any moving vehicle. E-Bikes, bicycles and scooters must ride in the same direction as traffic. Weaving in and out of traffic is not allowed. When a “sharrow” symbol (resembling a corporal’s military insignia) appears in the roadway, this means the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and E-Bike. Riders are encouraged to avoid these roadways. At the present time E-Bikes do not need registration, licensing or insurance like a car or motorcycle. These and other rules are available on the www.carlsbadca.gov web site and E-Bike operators are encouraged to become aware of all of the rules and regulations that can be enforced on Carlsbad roadways.
