New regulations target reckless riding, illegal electric bikes and repeat offenders, with parents potentially facing penalties for knowingly allowing violations.
MURRIETA, Calif. — Parents of young electric bicycle riders in Murrieta could face financial penalties if they knowingly allow their children to repeatedly violate the city’s e-bike regulations under an ordinance brought before the City Council in September.
Ordinance No. 637-26 expands the city’s existing bicycle and electric-conveyance regulations, placing additional emphasis on parental responsibility, reckless riding, illegal modifications and enforcement.
The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance’s first reading on September 1, 2026, and scheduled its second reading and adoption for September 15.
The changes follow growing concerns about the increasing popularity of electric bicycles among young riders, particularly those operating at excessive speeds or engaging in dangerous behavior around pedestrians and motorists.
Parents Could Face Penalties
One of the most significant provisions addresses the responsibility of parents and guardians.
Under the city’s outlined enforcement procedures, parents may not knowingly allow their minor children to violate local e-bike regulations.
When a minor is cited for a violation, a Parent Advisement form can provide written notice to the parent or guardian.
If another violation occurs within 12 months after that notification, enhanced administrative penalties may apply to both the minor and the parent or guardian.
Parents may also face citations for knowingly permitting continued violations after receiving written notice.
The rules do not automatically make parents financially responsible for every traffic violation committed by their children. Parental knowledge and the circumstances of repeated violations are important elements of the enforcement provisions.
The ordinance also prohibits parents from knowingly allowing children younger than 16 to operate Class 3 electric bicycles, which can provide pedal assistance at speeds up to 28 mph.
First-Time Offenders May Get a Second Chance
Murrieta’s approach is not exclusively punitive.
The ordinance provides an opportunity for some first-time juvenile offenders to complete an approved e-bike safety education program instead of paying an administrative citation.
Both the minor and a parent or guardian must complete the program within 60 days.
Successful completion may result in dismissal of a first citation, although the city is not required to offer that alternative for subsequent violations.
The provision is intended to emphasize education while giving police additional enforcement options when unsafe behavior continues.
Reckless Riding and Dangerous Behavior Targeted
The regulations specifically address behaviors that have generated public safety concerns, including:
- Performing wheelies on public streets, sidewalks, bicycle lanes or paths.
- Racing other bicycles or vehicles.
- Weaving dangerously through traffic.
- Riding in groups in a manner that creates a hazard.
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or vehicles.
- Carrying passengers on bicycles not designed for multiple riders.
- Using handheld electronic devices while riding.
The ordinance also establishes or clarifies speed restrictions.
Under the city’s published summary, the maximum speed is 20 mph on bicycle paths and trails, 10 mph on sidewalks, and 5 mph on sidewalks when pedestrians are present.
Class 3 e-bikes are generally prohibited from being ridden on sidewalks.
Modified E-Bikes Face Additional Restrictions
Another major focus involves electric-powered vehicles that resemble bicycles but exceed the legal specifications of California’s three recognized e-bike classes.
Some high-powered electric vehicles are marketed or used as e-bikes despite having capabilities more closely associated with electric motorcycles.
The ordinance prohibits operating certain noncompliant vehicles on public streets, sidewalks, paths, parks and trails unless otherwise authorized by state law.
Electric bicycles modified to exceed 28 mph are also prohibited from operating in those public areas.
Police may have authority to impound certain illegal or improperly operated electric-powered devices, subject to applicable state laws and procedural requirements.
What Parents Should Know
For families with children who ride electric bicycles, the changes make understanding the rules particularly important.
Parents should verify that their child’s bicycle meets California’s legal classification requirements, that the rider is old enough to operate it, and that the child understands traffic laws and local restrictions.
They should also pay particular attention to any written warning or notification issued by law enforcement.
Ignoring repeated violations could now have consequences extending beyond the young rider.
A Growing Public Safety Issue
Electric bicycles have become increasingly common throughout Southwest Riverside County, providing transportation and recreation for teenagers and adults alike.
However, their growing popularity has also raised questions about how communities should balance convenient transportation with pedestrian safety and responsible riding.
Murrieta’s expanded regulations reflect an effort to address those concerns through a combination of education, parental accountability and enforcement.
For parents, the message is clear: teaching children to ride safely is no longer simply a matter of good judgment. Knowingly allowing repeated violations can also bring administrative penalties.
Residents can review the city’s published regulations and enforcement information through the City of Murrieta’s official website.
