Burlingame and Hillsborough could adopt restrictions on children under 12 operating certain e-bikes under a new state law taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, announced Thursday, Oct. 29, that she had joined local officials and advocates in Burlingame to promote a model ordinance for communities considering the restrictions.
Her office’s announcement urges cities to implement Assembly Bill 2595, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Sept. 30.
The law requires a local ordinance or resolution before the age restriction applies. State authorization alone does not establish a ban in Burlingame or Hillsborough.
What the law permits
Under the chaptered law, jurisdictions in San Mateo County can prohibit children under 12 from operating Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes.
Class 1 bikes provide motor assistance while the rider pedals. Class 2 bikes can provide assistance without pedaling. Both categories stop providing motor assistance at 20 mph.
The law provides warnings during the first 60 days after a local prohibition takes effect. Subsequent violations carry a $25 fine, with parents or legal guardians sharing responsibility for a minor’s fine.
A qualifying e-bike safety course can substitute for the fine if the required proof is submitted within 120 days of the citation.
Local authorities must conduct a public information campaign before implementing restrictions. The law also requires participating jurisdictions to review findings from San Diego County’s existing pilot.
If local restrictions are adopted, San Mateo County must report enforcement and crash information to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2030. The state authorization expires Jan. 1, 2031.
Separate county rules
San Mateo County supervisors adopted a separate measure, Ayden’s Ordinance, on Aug. 25, according to the county’s legislative record.
Named in memory of Ayden Fang, the 4-year-old killed in a Burlingame crash involving an e-bike, that ordinance takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, according to Supervisor Jackie Speier’s announcement. The county measure applies to unincorporated areas.
Enforcement concerns
Streets for All opposed AB 2595, arguing that another pilot was premature before results from San Diego County’s program were available, CalMatters reported.
The organization also questioned how officers would determine young riders’ ages. The law’s reporting requirements include tracking stops in which riders suspected of being under 12 were found to be above the age limit.
