TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Matt Henry, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Tiffany Israel, City Attorney
SUBJECT:
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Adoption of Ordinance No. 637-26 Amending Chapter 10.55 (Bicycles, E-Bikes, and E-Scooters) of the Murrieta Municipal Code
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ABSTRACT
The increased use of electric bicycles and other e-conveyances has created evolving safety and enforcement considerations throughout the City. Based on community concerns and enforcement experience since the adoption of the City’s existing regulations in 2024, amendments are proposed to enhance safety, clarify operating requirements, strengthen accountability, and provide effective education and enforcement measures for bicycle and e-conveyance use in Murrieta.
RECOMMENDATION
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Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 637-26 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Amending Murrieta Municipal Code Chapter 10.55, “Bicycles, E-Bikes, and E-Scooters” to Update Regulations Governing The Operation, Speed, and Use of Bicycles, Electric Bicycles, and E-Conveyances.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On June 4, 2024, the City Council introduced and conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 605-24 (Vote: 5-0).
On June 18, 2024, the City Council conducted the second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 605-24 (Vote: 5-0).
On September 1, 2026, the City Council introduced and conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 637-26 Amending Chapter 10.55 (Bicycles, E-Bikes, and E-Scooters) of the Murrieta Municipal Code (Vote: 5-0).
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
Provide a high level of innovative public safety.
BACKGROUND
Electric bicycle and e-conveyance usage has increased substantially throughout the City in recent years, particularly among minors. While these devices provide convenient transportation and recreation opportunities, their increased use has raised concerns regarding excessive speed, unsafe riding practices, operation of non-compliant devices, and conflicts with pedestrians during special events and in areas such as sidewalks, school zones, business districts, parks, and trails.
In 2024, the City adopted Chapter 10.55 of the Murrieta Municipal Code to regulate bicycles, electric bicycles, and e-scooters. Since adoption of those regulations, staff has continued to evaluate local enforcement experience, community concerns, and developments in electric bicycle use. The proposed ordinance updates Chapter 10.55 to strengthen safety requirements, clarify existing regulations, and improve enforcement tools.
The proposed amendments include:
• Establishing a prohibition on and standards for unsafe operation of bicycles and e-conveyances.
• Establishing operational restrictions in school zones, pedestrian-priority zones, and during City-permitted special events.
• Clarifying and consolidating speed restrictions applicable to bicycles and e-conveyances.
• Limiting operation of Class 3 electric bicycles on sidewalks.
• Restricting the use of handheld electronic devices while operating a bicycle or e-conveyance.
• Establishing standards for electric bicycle classification, labeling, and modification consistent with California law.
• Establishing additional parental responsibility and accountability provisions for violations committed by minors.
• Prohibiting parents or guardians from knowingly providing, purchasing, permitting, or authorizing minors to operate certain non-compliant electric-powered vehicles.
• Authorizing electric bicycle safety education as a corrective measure and as a basis for reducing or dismissing administrative citations in specified circumstances.
Collectively, the proposed amendments are intended to improve public safety, reduce conflicts between riders and pedestrians, encourage responsible operation, and provide additional tools for education and enforcement.
PUBLIC NOTICING
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
ATT 1 - Ordinance No. 637-26