Share This Email

Turtle Talk

Your source for all things Local Travel Network

JANUARY 2026

A special edition by the

Young riders participating in an e-bike safety course in El Segundo.

Welcome

This is a special edition of "Turtle Talk," the e-blast with the latest updates and news-you-can-use about the South Bay Local Travel Network (LTN), produced by the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG).

This special edition focuses on recent and relevant legislation and South Bay city local ordinances regarding e-bikes, helpful highlights on how South Bay cities are addressing e-bike safety, and how you can reach out to us for help.

To reread this content in the future, visit our website. And be sure to follow our social media content on Instagram , Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

Why California is Passing New E-Bike Legislation

E-bike usage has surged statewide, bringing new benefits for mobility and short-trip travel, particularly among students and young riders. At the same time, cities have increasingly reported safety concerns, classification confusion, and enforcement challenges surrounding devices marketed as “e-bikes” that function more like electric motorcycles.

The result: Laws taking effect in 2026 emphasize safety, age restrictions, and accountability, reflect a broader shift toward more structured oversight and policy alignment. These measures are intended to clarify definitions, close regulatory gaps, and give cities clearer pathways to manage enforcement as micromobility adoption grows.

Legislation We're Watching

With e-bikes evolving in California, several new laws in 2026 now shape how they are defined, sold, and operated. Here’s how these bills highlight and address safety, age requirements, and enforcement, demonstrating how cities can manage these emerging mobility trends. A full text of the bills is available by clicking the links provided.

AB 544 (Davies): Required Rear Lighting for E-Bikes

AB 544 establishes new equipment requirements for electric bicycles with a focus on visibility and safety. Under this law, all e-bikes must be equipped at all times with either a red rear reflector or a solid or flashing red rear light with a built-in reflector. The light or reflector must be visible from 500 feet when illuminated by legal vehicle headlights. This change reinforces that e-bikes are increasingly sharing roadway space with vehicles and pedestrians, and that visibility during daytime and nighttime travel is a priority as ridership expands.

AB 545 (Davies): Ban on Speed Modifications

AB 545 targets digital tools that allow riders to alter the speed capabilities of their electric bicycles. The bill prohibits the sale of any tools or kits designed to modify or “unlock” e-bike speeds beyond legal limits.

The measure also reinforces California’s legal definition of an e-bike, a device that cannot exceed 20 mph via throttle or 28 mph with pedal assist. Anything that exceeds those speeds is no longer considered an e-bike under state law and may be subject to licensing and motorcycle regulations. The bill is intended to reduce illegal speed conversions and clarify device classification for both retailers and riders.

AB 875 (Muratsuchi): Vehicle Removal

AB 875 expands law enforcement authority to remove certain electric motor-powered vehicles from the road under specific conditions. The bill allows peace officers to remove vehicles that have fewer than four wheels, are powered by an electric motor, exceed 20 mph throttle-only, and are being operated without the appropriate license, or those that are Class 3 e-bikes operated by individuals under 16 years of age. This measure is aimed at improving enforcement clarity amid the growing number of devices that look like e-bikes but exceed speed or licensing thresholds.

AB 965 (Dixon): Age Restrictions for Class 3 E-Bikes

AB 965 places new age-based restrictions on the sale of Class 3 electric bicycles, which can assist riders to obtain a speed up to 28 mph. Under this law, retailers are prohibited from selling Class 3 e-bikes to anyone under 16 years old. Violations are considered infractions and are subject to fines of up to $250. This bill aligns retail practices with existing operational restrictions and reinforces the idea that higher speed micromobility vehicles carry additional safety considerations for younger riders.

Local Ordinances in the South Bay

A full text of the ordinances is available by clicking the links provided.

El Segundo - 1679

El Segundo implemented an ordinance updating its municipal code to regulate electric bicycles in January 2026. The ordinance prohibits riding these devices in business districts, public parks, and recreation areas, and restricts operation on streets, paths, and other public areas in any manner considered unsafe. Riding under the influence and carrying passengers without a separate attached seat is also prohibited. Like Hermosa Beach, if a juvenile is cited, the device may be impounded and released only to a responsible adult upon payment of an impound fee.

El Segundo places emphasis on distinguishing between electric bicycles and off-highway motorcycles and establishing enforcement for devices that fall outside traditional bicycle classifications. This is not intended to restrict electric or motorized wheelchairs or 4-wheel mobility scooters being operated in a safe manner by an individual with a disability (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Hermosa Beach - 10.12.175

Hermosa Beach regulates the operation of electric bikes and other motorized devices with a focus on safety, location restrictions, and enforcement. The ordinance requires that drivers and passengers under 18 wear a properly fastened helmet while riding. It also prohibits e-bikes and similar devices on the city’s Greenbelt and restricts operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The ordinance also limits the transport of passengers except where a separate seat is attached to the device.

Officers are also authorized to cite juvenile riders and may impound the device until a responsible adult retrieves it and pays an impound fee. Exemptions apply for use by officers on duty and for individuals with qualifying disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Manhattan Beach - 3.01.020

Manhattan Beach adopted a similar citywide ordinance that consolidates rules for bicycles and electric bikes. The ordinance establishes operational requirements that apply to all riders, including equipment standards, nighttime lighting, and helmet use for those under 18. Like Hermosa Beach, riders are also not allowed to travel with another passenger unless there is a separate seat attached to the vehicle. Any stunt riding, racing, and towing is not allowed at any time, and riders must obey all traffic laws and yield to pedestrians.

The city imposes a 15-mph speed limit on the Marvin Braude Beach Bicycle Path, with e-bikes being strictly prohibited on the Strand, Veterans Parkway, and any city, county, or state-owned property. Exemptions apply to officers employed by the city on duty and those with qualifying disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Rancho Palos Verdes - 12.16.180

Rancho Palos Verdes has established operational rules for e-bikes, focusing on roadway behavior and equipment standards. This includes working brakes, lights visible up to 300 feet during low-light conditions, helmet use for riders under 18, and compliance with existing traffic laws. Rancho Palos Verdes places emphasis on proper roadway operation, such as lane positioning when driving an e-bike. Additionally, stunt riding, towing, and operating under the influence are prohibited.

Like Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach, the city restricts the use of e-bikes on sidewalks, walk streets, beaches, and other public recreation areas. The ordinance allows exceptions for ADA mobility devices and official city use, similar to accommodations seen in neighboring cities.

Torrance - Chapter 2 of Division 6

Torrance has recently updated the local ordinance in January 2026 to ensure e-bike operators will not go at a speed greater than is reasonable for the surrounding conditions such as traffic, weather, roadway width and the functional limitations of the device itself. Stunt riding on any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, plaza, or pathway is also prohibited.

Additionally, the use of a handheld device, like a mobile device, is not allowed while riding a bicycle or e-bike, unless it is specifically designed to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation or mounted use under limited conditions.

Tips from the Turtle

E-bikes can be used responsibly when following these safety tips:

🚴🧑‍⚖️ Know your e-bike, along with state/local laws: Learn your e-bike’s class (1, 2, or 3), top speed and motor assistance features. Check city or state regulations for e-bike use, including minimum age requirements.

🪖⚠️ ALWAYS wear a helmet: Choose a certified, properly fitting helmet and wear it every time you ride. It should be level and snug on your head.

🚦🫱 Ride proactively: Be alert, obey traffic rules, and use hand signals to communicate with drivers and other cyclists.

🛞🔋 Inspect your equipment: Regularly check brakes, tires, lights, and the battery.

❌📵 Avoid distractions: Stay off your phone and avoid headphones or anything that impairs your hearing or vision.

🚸🚨 Be visible: Wear bright clothing and use front and rear lights—at all times of the day.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒🚳 Supervise young or inexperienced riders: E-bikes are not toys. Make sure new riders practice in a safe area before riding independently.

Reach out to SBCCOG!

Please contact us with any questions, concerns, or comments! We strive to be a resource to guide you as you navigate through all of the above rules and safety tips and you can help us by sharing your thoughts. Send them to Anne Tsai at annet@southbaycities.org.

Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive future emails from us.