The use of e-bikes has increased dramatically in North County. Although many have applauded their increased use as “clean energy” convenient and affordable vehicles, a number of issues regarding safety and proper use have attracted close scrutiny by the City of Vista and by other nearby cities (Carlsbad, San Marcos, Oceanside, Encinitas).
Many of our neighborhood residents are used to seeing e-bikers riding recklessly at inappropriate high speeds doing circus-like maneuvers, carrying a piggy-back rider, or in tight clusters. A rise in e-bike thefts has been reported by the North Coastal Sheriff’s station. Most of these have occurred in shopping stores with large retailers such as Walmart and Target. About 50% of stolen bikes were unlocked.
The increased use of e-bikes has increased the number of fires, at times deadly, from exploding lithium-ion batteries. Many e-bike batteries lack the ability to automatically shut off to prevent overheating and thermal runaways that lead to explosions and fires.
E-bike parking issues affecting neighborhoods include a) parking locations such bike racks, sidewalks, and designated parking areas (especially in parks and natural areas); b) parking restrictions to improve visibility and safety for all road users (no parking within 20 ft. of corners or crosswalks); c) parking enforcement rules similar to those applied to traditional bicycles.
The City of Vista has amended sections of the Municipal Code pertaining to bicycles, recently on 1/9/24. Vista has aimed to clarify the rules around the growing use of e-bikes, with the key focus on ensuring safe and considerate use of e-bikes and other mobility devices on the city’s paths, trails, public spaces, and intercity path and trail connectors. Regulations require helmet use and clarify rules for riding or not on sidewalks, in front of businesses, and other designated areas when posted. Some ordinances require mobility device operators to obey all traffic laws and subject them to fines for unsafe riding or sending first time offenders to education programs.
There are three equal key components for a successful e-bike use program:
- Clear rules easily accessible to the public so e-bike users may be fully aware of their responsibilities.
- Appropriate and consistent enforcement of rules.
- Implementation of ongoing e-bike safety training programs
On April 9, City of Vista introduced an E-Bike Safety Training & Rebate Program in partnership with the San Diego County Bike Coalition to conduct e-bike safety covering essential safety guidelines and best practices for e-bike riders. In addition, the City plans to offer a 3-hour in-person training course that includes hands-on, practical training on e-bike usage and safety. This was approved by the City Council. we congratulate the City in taking this well-timed important step.
In addition, as noted above, there are other issues to consider such as the risk of battery explosions and fire, and increased e-bike thefts. There are many rules related to e-bike use but they are dispensed through the municipal coding system and it is difficult for the general public to inform themselves (see key component #1). Rules are useless unless they are enforced (see key component #2). It seems that we are lacking in that area. Finally, it is important that appropriate signage be used extensively for parking and visibility issues.
— Francis Dumler, President
