No Pedals, No Mercy: California City Intensifies E-Bike Regulations | Carscoops

      Electric bikes are being impounded in Santa Monica as new fines are implemented and police address increasing public complaints

      14 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      Santa Monica police have confiscated 12 illegal dirt e-bikes that were being operated on public roadways.

      These vehicles surpassed speeds of 40 mph, did not have pedals, and did not comply with California’s e-bike regulations.

      Law enforcement is stepping up their efforts in response to safety issues and community concerns.

      The Santa Monica police aim to convey a clear warning to riders of electric dirt bikes: if it isn’t street-legal, steer clear of public roads. On Saturday, July 26, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) seized 12 off-road vehicles, all claimed by officers to have been used unlawfully on city streets.

      Although many of these bikes may look like electric bicycles, officials indicate that they do not fulfill even the basic requirements established under California law. For instance, they all lack pedals, can reach high speeds, and were not sanctioned for on-road use. The SMPD's enforcement surge follows mounting community worries and complaints, as these riders have reportedly been causing disturbances.

      Officials stated, “These vehicles often exceed 40 mph, lack functional pedals, and are not recognized as legal electric bicycles. They are prohibited on public roads, bike paths, or sidewalks.” Essentially, these bikes are classified as high-powered electric dirt bikes rather than standard e-bikes.

      What Defines a Legal E-Bike?

      California categorizes e-bikes into three groups, with legal usage linked to factors such as speed limits and the presence of functional pedals. Most of the confiscated vehicles fell into a legal gray area. They were either initially marketed as powerful off-road bikes or typical e-bikes that had been modified to achieve much higher speeds than intended.

      Regardless of their origin, these bikes are categorized as off-highway vehicles and cannot be legally used in areas designed for bicycles or automobiles. The department remarked, “We’re intensifying our enforcement due to serious safety issues and community feedback. If your vehicle lacks pedals or does not meet California’s e-bike standards, it shouldn’t be on the road.”

      Fines Enacted, Enforcement Underway

      It remains unclear what riders will need to do to retrieve their impounded bikes, but the penalty for riding them begins at $100. Repeat offenders face a $200 fine, and each subsequent violation costs $500. These penalties came into force on July 9, marking one of the first instances where police are authorized to enforce these regulations.