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Santa Barbara Updates Bicycle and E-Bike Laws [2025]: New Regulations and Penalties
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The Santa Barbara City Council has officially amended Chapter 10.52 of the municipal code, introducing new regulations for bicycles and e-conveyances, including e-bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards.
These changes come in response to growing public concerns about pedestrian safety. Reckless and high-speed e-bike use has led to collisions and near-misses in high-traffic areas like State Street and Cabrillo Boulevard. Residents have urged city leaders to address unsafe riding behaviors, particularly incidents involving bike riders weaving through crowds, failing to yield to pedestrians, and riding at excessive speeds.
These changes grant law enforcement more authority to enforce unsafe riding behaviors and establish a youth diversion program for minors cited for violations.
Key Definitions in the Updated Ordinance
The revised Santa Barbara municipal code defines several transportation modes now subject to regulation:
- Bicycle: As defined in California Vehicle Code Section 231.
- E-Conveyance: Includes e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-skateboards capable of human or motorized propulsion.
- Electric Bicycle: Includes Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes, as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5.
- Narrow Width Lane: A lane too narrow for a vehicle and bicycle to travel side by side safely.
- Pedestrian: Defined by California Vehicle Code Section 467.
Santa Barbara E-Bike Regulations: What You Need to Know
The revised municipal code categorizes e-bikes into three classes, aligning with California bicycle and e-bike laws:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
- Class 2: Equipped with a throttle and capable of exceeding 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist with speeds up to 30 mph, requiring riders to be at least 16 years old and always wear a helmet.
According to Santa Barbara police, the ordinance aims to reduce e-bike accidents in Santa Barbara, which have been increasing since 2022.
Santa Barbara Bicycle Laws: New Rules for Unsafe Riding
The updated bicycle and e-bike laws prohibit unsafe riding on public streets, sidewalks, and other areas open to vehicles and pedestrians. The amendments aim to enhance enforcement and improve safety by reducing pedestrian-cyclist accidents.
Examples of illegal bike riding in Santa Barbara include:
- Riding at excessive speeds in hazardous conditions.
- Performing tricks, wheelies, or stunts in areas with pedestrians or moving vehicles.
- Riding against traffic on a public street or bikeway.
- Failing to yield to vehicles or pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks.
- Riding without a helmet (required for riders under 18).
- Riding on Sidewalks with a few exceptions
Under the Santa Barbara e-bike ordinance, law enforcement officers now have the discretion to issue fines or require minors to attend a diversion program.
Lane Positioning Rules
Cyclists and e-bike riders traveling slower than normal traffic must ride as close to the right-hand curb as practicable, except when:
- Passing another bicycle, e-bike, or vehicle.
- Preparing for a left turn at an intersection or driveway.
- Avoiding hazards such as parked cars, pedestrians, or surface obstacles.
- Riding on a one-way street, in which case riders may stay near the left curb.
Additionally, riders may not ride more than two abreast except on designated bike paths or lanes.
Learn more about the legality of riding side by side in California in our
blog:
Is it Legal to Ride Two Abreast in California? Phil Gaimon's Citation Unravels the Truth.
Can You Ride a Bike on the Sidewalk in Santa Barbara?
The new ordinance bans bicycle and e-bike riding on sidewalks in Santa Barbara, with a few exceptions:
- Crossing a driveway while entering or exiting a property.
- Riding on designated bikeways approved by the City Council.
- Avoiding immediate danger or obstacles on the road.
To learn more about riding on sidewalks in other states, read our article: Can You Ride a Bike on the Sidewalk in the US?
Bicycle & E-Bike Equipment Requirements
All bicycles and e-bikes must meet safety requirements, including:
- Helmets: Required for riders under 18.
- Brakes: Must allow riders to make one braked wheel skid on dry pavement.
- Reflectors: Required on front and rear wheels and the rear of the bike.
- Lights: Required for night riding, emitting a white light visible up to 300 feet in front and from the sides.
Bicycle and E-Bike Parking Regulations in Santa Barbara
Bicycles, motorized bicycles, and e-conveyances must not obstruct sidewalks or pedestrian paths. Parking in areas marked as “No Bicycle Parking” is prohibited.
Santa Barbara E-Bike Fines and Enforcement
The new ordinance introduces administrative fines for violations:
- First offense: Up to $200
- Second offense (within one year): Up to $300
- Third and subsequent offenses (within one year): Up to $500
Offenders have the right to appeal citations under Sections 1.25.090 through 1.25.120 of the Santa Barbara municipal code. The city will consider a person’s ability to pay the fine, allowing a reduction to 20% of the penalty if they meet specific financial hardship criteria.
Santa Barbara Youth Diversion Program for E-Bike Violations
Minors cited for violations have the option to participate in the Youth Diversion Program, which provides education on bicycle and e-bike safety. If they fail to complete the program, they will be subject to the standard administrative fine, and their parents or guardians will be held financially responsible.
In cases where a minor causes property damage, the city may pursue a civil complaint against their parents or guardians under California Civil Code Section 1714.1.
Tampering with E-bike Serial Numbers Prohibited
The ordinance also makes it illegal to remove, alter, or destroy the manufacturer’s serial number on a bicycle or e-conveyance.
Next Steps for Enforcement
The Santa Barbara Police Department has been tasked with enforcing the new regulations. The City Council will review enforcement progress and accident data in future meetings to assess whether additional policy adjustments are needed.
By implementing these updates, Santa Barbara aims to balance safety enforcement with maintaining its reputation as a cycling-friendly city.
Related Articles:
E-bike Epidemic: Bridging Regulatory Gaps in Orange County, CA
Everything You Need To Know about E-bikes
FAQ's
Q: Why did Santa Barbara change its bicycle and e-bike laws?
A: Santa Barbara updated its bicycle and e-bike laws to address rising pedestrian safety concerns and an increase in e-bike accidents. Residents' complaints about reckless riding, excessive speeds, and cyclist-pedestrian collisions led the City Council to amend the municipal code. The new regulations enhance enforcement, introduce fines for unsafe riding, and establish a youth diversion program for minors.
Q: What are the penalties for unsafe e-bike riding in Santa Barbara?
A: Santa Barbara enforces administrative fines for unsafe bicycle and e-bike riding:
- First offense: Up to $200
- Second offense (within one year): Up to $300
- Third and subsequent offenses (within one year): Up to $500
Minors may participate in a youth diversion program instead of receiving a fine.
Q: Can you ride a bike on the sidewalk in Santa Barbara?
A: No, riding bikes on sidewalks is prohibited in Santa Barbara. Exceptions include:
- Crossing a driveway while entering or exiting a property.
- Riding in designated bikeways approved by the City Council.
- Avoiding immediate danger or an obstacle in the road.
Ride Protected. Ride Safe with Bike Legal.
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