East Bay Town Bans E-Bikes In Town Parks, Sets 15 MPH Trail Speed Limit

DANVILLE, CA — The Danville Town Council adopted a new ordinance Tuesday requiring riders of e-bikes, e-motorcycles, and motorized scooters to dismount and walk their devices while in all town parks. Starting Aug. 6, riders may continue to bring e-bikes into parks, but won’t be able to ride them. The ordinance also set a 15 mph speed limit for all bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters on town-owned trails outside parks.

The ordinance was revised after residents urged the Town Council to adopt stricter rules than those initially recommended by staff and the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission.

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The town said it will begin a community education campaign that will include signage at town parks, publicization through town communication channels, and collaboration with the San Ramon Valley Unified School District on education programs for students and families. Danville said its initial focus will be on helping riders understand the new requirements before the ordinance takes effect.

“The ordinance is intended to help Danville's parks remain safe, comfortable spaces where people of all ages can walk, play, gather, and enjoy recreation,” the town said in a news release. “As e-bikes have become an increasingly popular way to travel throughout the community, the Town is committed to helping riders understand how the new ordinance will affect park use.”

Danville already has several e-bike and e-scooter rules, and a website devoted to explaining them. It is illegal to ride an e-bike, electric scooter, or electric skateboard on sidewalks in the downtown, or other designated business or commercial areas.

The new ordinance appears to be one of the most restrictive adopted by an East Bay municipality. Other cities, like Dublin and Livermore, also prohibit riding e-bikes or similar devices on sidewalks. Most other East Bay cities defer to state law, which separates e-bikes into three classes:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, motor stops helping at 20 mph.
• Class 2: Has a throttle, motor assistance up to 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, assistance up to 28 mph, must have a speedometer.

Under state law, anyone under 18 must wear a helmet. All Class 3 riders, regardless of age, must wear a helmet. Class 3 riders must be 16 or older.

See here for more information on Danville laws.

SEE ALSO:

• Danville Explores E-Bike Safety & Enforcement
• Danville Launches 'Not My Kid' E-Bike Safety Awareness Campaign
• When E-Bikes Meet the Law: CA’s Fight Over Safety, Speed, And Accountability
• Beach Attack By Mob Of E-Bike Teens Is Latest In Disturbing CA Teen Takeover Trend