Los Angeles Moves Toward a Ban on E-Bikes in Outdoor Trails

Los Angeles Council Moves to Ban Electric Bikes on Outdoor Trails

The Los Angeles City Council has taken significant steps toward banning electric bicycles on outdoor trails frequented by traditional cyclists, hikers, and horse riders. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about safety on these shared paths.

During a council meeting on Friday, Councilmember John Lee introduced a motion aimed at tightening regulations related to e-bike usage. The council unanimously approved a request for the City Attorney’s Office to draft an ordinance that would outline citation rules for violators.

The proposed measures also call for the Department of Recreation and Parks to install signage and facilitate enforcement efforts. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Transportation are expected to report on existing regulations regarding electric bikes, contributing to the development of potential fines.

Notably, City Council members Eunisses Hernandez, Adrin Nazarian, and Hugo Soto-Martinez were absent during the vote.

The motion highlights the growing importance of outdoor spaces in Los Angeles, stating, "As the City of Los Angeles continues to grow and expand, these outdoor spaces and trails have become vital lifelines for residents to enjoy public lands in a safe manner. However, the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) on these trails have created dangerous situations on trails used by human and animals alike."

In a related context, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, D-Burbank, spearheaded AB 1909, known as the OmniBike Bill, which was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022 and will take effect on January 1, 2024. This legislation broadens regulations aimed at cyclist safety, defines e-bike access, and clarifies legal rights for bicyclists in California. Importantly, it grants local authorities the power to prohibit electric bicycles on equestrian, hiking, and recreational trails, as well as on bicycle paths.