TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: KEVIN MENSEN, CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT
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Introduction of Ordinance 2026-004 Amending Chapter 10.56 of the Chino Municipal Code (CMC).
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approve the introduction of Ordinance 2026-004, amending Chapter 10.56 of the Chino Municipal Code, pertaining to bicycles, electric bicycles, motorized scooters, and regulated mobility devices, to be read by number and title only, and waiving future reading of the ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHINO, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 10.56 OF THE CHINO MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADDRESS BICYCLES, ELECTRIC BICYCLES, MOTORIZED SCOOTERS, AND REGULATED MOBILITY DEVICES; ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR THE SAME; UPDATE ENFORCEMENT, PENALTY, AND IMPOUND PROVISIONS; AND REMOVE OUTDATED BICYCLE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no significant financial impact anticipated from the adoption of this Ordinance. Minor costs may include public education materials, school outreach, website updates, and signage in selected areas. If the City adopts administrative cost recovery for impounds or storage, those charges should be limited to actual City costs.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above further the City’s values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
• Positive City Image
• Superior Customer Service
• Responsible Long-Range Planning
• Public Service Excellence through Internal and External Partnerships
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BACKGROUND
The use of electric bicycles (“e-bikes”), electric scooters, electric motorcycles, and other micromobility devices has increased significantly throughout Southern California. The City of Chino (“City”) is no exception to this. While these devices provide a convenient and environmentally friendly transportation option, unsafe riding behavior, particularly among juveniles, has created growing public safety concerns in neighborhoods, school zones, parks, sidewalks, shopping centers, and public rights-of-way.
Chapter 10.56 of the City Municipal Code (“CMC”) currently centers on bicycle licensing requirements, including the registration and fees associated with licensing. To address the increasing public safety concerns, the City shifts its focus from outdated bicycle licensing requirements to practical safety considerations such as speed and operations on public sidewalks and expand the City’s regulation to incorporate e-bikes and various regulated mobility devices. Parental accountability, penalties, and the City’s impound authority are also addressed.
The proposed amendments outlined in this Ordinance are intended to provide City residents with clearer regulation while preserving the lawful use of e-bikes and other micromobility devices for transportation and recreation. As such, the ordinance does not prohibit e-bike use citywide or intend to conflict with regulations beyond those already provided under California law.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
E-bikes are defined under California Vehicle Code (“CVC”) section 312.5 as bicycles with fully operable pedals and an electric motor with a power output of less than 750 watts. State law establishes three e-bike classes:
• Class 1 pedal-assist up to 20 mph
• Class 2 throttle-assist up to 20 mph
• Class 3 pedal-assist up to 28 mph.
Class 3 e-bike operators must be at least 16 years old and must wear a helmet. Additionally, those who are under 18 years old must wear a helmet while operating or riding a bicycle or e-bike.
Recent changes in state law also give law enforcement additional authority to remove certain unlawful electric vehicles, including devices that do not qualify as lawful e-bikes and vehicles being operated without required registration or licensing. CVC section 22651.08, effective January 1, 2026, authorizes the removal of certain electric vehicles and allows local agencies to recover actual administrative costs related to removal, seizure, and storage if adopted by ordinance or resolution. Neighboring and comparable cities have begun adopting local e-bike and micromobility regulations.
This Ordinance would:
1. Update definitions to align with current California Vehicle Code language.
2. Regulate unsafe operation of regulated mobility devices
3. Prohibit reckless behaviors such as riding against traffic, failing to yield, stunt riding in unsafe areas, towing or clinging to vehicles, riding in prohibited areas, and carrying passengers unlawfully.
4. Establish operations regulations for sidewalks, school-zones, trails, and parks.
5. Increase parental accountability when a parent or legal guardian knowingly permits a minor to violate the chapter.
6. Allow administrative citations, court citations, or safety-course diversion where appropriate.
7. Establish escalating administrative fines of $100, $200, and $500 unless a lower amount is required by state law.
8. Authorize storage or impoundment when permitted by state law or when a device is operated in violation of local code and presents a public safety risk.
9. Remove outdated mandatory bicycle licensing requirements and replace them with voluntary registration language.
10. Provide a 30-day public education period before active enforcement of CMC Chapter 10.56 begins.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
Staff recommends that:
The City may regulate operation, parking, and registration of bicycles under CVC 21206, but any local ordinance should expressly state that it does not override state law.
Impound language should be tied to CVC 22651.08, CVC 22651, abandoned property laws, or other lawful authority to avoid overbreadth.
The City is authorized to enforce the Ordinance regulations and impose penalties such as citations, even upon minors. In accordance with California Welfare & Institutions Code sections 256 and 602, the County of San Bernardino Superior Court has jurisdiction over minors who violate an ordinance of the City, including provisions of local law related to traffic offenses.
Any cost-recovery fees, such as those related to removal, seizure, storage, processing, and release of a regulated mobility device, should be limited to actual administrative costs and adopted through the City’s fee schedule or resolution.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Following adoption, staff recommend a 30-day education period before active enforcement. Outreach should include Chino Valley Unified School District, school resource officers, parent groups, bicycle retailers, social media messaging, the City website, and community meetings.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Ordinance 2026-004
2. Redline of CMC Chapter 10.56
3. Summary of California e-bike laws