E-bikes in Redondo Beach
E-bikes are one of the most common issues I hear about from residents: riders blowing through stop signs, darting out between parked cars, riding two to a bike, and riding at night with no lights. These concerns are real, and we're working on them from every angle.
Education. RBPD and RBUSD have partnered on a required e-bike safety certification. Any student who rides an e-bike to school and parks it on campus must complete it unless they have a valid driver's license. More than 2,000 RBUSD students have already been certified. Certified bikes display a sticker, and uncertified bikes on campus can be held for parent pickup.
Enforcement. E-bikes are a consistent focus for RBPD, including traffic details aimed specifically at e-bike riders. Riders must follow the same rules of the road as drivers and can be cited. This is a newer challenge on top of the more than 100 miles of roadway our officers already patrol.
Positive reinforcement. RBPD has partnered with local 7-Eleven stores to give gift cards to students they see following traffic laws and wearing a buckled helmet.
What the state controls. Many residents ask why e-bike riders aren't licensed, registered or insured. Under California law, legal e-bikes are treated as bicycles, so cities can't require those things. The state has begun to act:
SB 1167 (effective Jan. 1, 2027): Devices faster than legal e-bike limits can no longer be sold as e-bikes. They'll be classified as mopeds or motorcycles that require registration and a license. Many of the fastest "e-bikes" on our streets fall into this category.
AB 875: Police can impound these non-e-bike devices for at least 48 hours.
AB 544: E-bikes must show a rear red reflector or light at all times, and minors cited for riding without a helmet must complete a CHP online safety course.
Licensing and insurance for legal e-bikes would take further action in Sacramento, and I'll keep raising it with whoever represents us there next session.
A message to parents. You are the most important part of this. Parents are increasingly being held responsible: in Orange County, the District Attorney has filed criminal charges against parents after their children were involved in serious crashes, including one fatal case. Before your child rides:
Know what you're buying. If it goes faster than 20 mph on throttle or 28 mph with pedal assist, it isn't an e-bike, and your child can't legally ride it without a license.
Get your child certified through RBUSD
Make sure they wear a helmet, use lights and a reflector, ride one to a bike, and follow every traffic law.
We'll keep working on this in every way we can. If you have ideas, I'd like to hear them.
