The City of Menifee has adopted a new ordinance aimed at improving public safety in response to the growing use of electric bicycles. You can read the full ordinance below or download a copy for your reference.
CHAPTER 12.30: BICYCLES, E-BIKES, E-SCOOTERS, AND E-SKATEBOARDS
§ 12.30.010 PURPOSE AND INTENT.
This chapter shall apply to the use of bicycles and e-conveyances (as those terms are defined below), in conformity with state law, and shall apply to any bicycle or e-conveyance operated upon any street or sidewalk, public property, or upon any public path set aside for the use of bicycles or e-conveyances within the city's jurisdiction. The provisions contained herein are enacted pursuant to Cal. Vehicle Code Division 16.7 (Cal. Vehicle Code §§ 39000 et seq.), and any rules and regulations adopted thereunder pertaining to the licensing of bicycles, and Cal. Vehicle Code § 21206 pertaining to the regulation of the operation, use and equipment of bicycles. This division is not intended to conflict in any way with the provisions thereof.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BICYCLE. Any device upon which a person may ride which is propelled by human power through a system of belts, chains or gears, and having one or more wheels. BIKE shall mean the same as BICYCLE, and the terms may be used interchangeably.
BICYCLE LANE. The portion of the roadway which has been separated from any vehicular lanes by a solid white line or other pavement marking or defined for bike riders by appropriate signage.
BICYCLE PATH or BICYCLE TRAIL. A path that provides a completely separated right-of-way from vehicular traffic designated for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with crossflows by motorists minimized.
BICYCLE ROUTE. A suggested route of travel for bicycle riders. A BICYCLE ROUTE may offer no physical protection to the bike rider and is normally defined for the bicycle rider only by a sign indicating “bike route”, which defines a suggested route of a bicycle system and provides a certain awareness for the motorist that bicycle riders are sharing the roadway.
E-CONVEYANCE. Includes any electric bicycle, electric scooter, electric skateboard, or other device propelled by an electric motor and designed to transport one or more people.
ELECTRIC BICYCLE. An electric bicycle, or “e-bike”, which is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 7.50 watts, and is categorized by the following:
- CLASS 1. An electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- CLASS 2. An electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
- CLASS 3. An electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour and is equipped with a speedometer.
ELECTRIC SCOOTER OR E-SCOOTER. A two or three-wheeled device that has handlebars, a floorboard that is designed to be stood on while riding and is powered by an electric motor. This device may also have a driver seat that does not interfere with the ability of the rider to stand and ride, and may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion.
ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD OR E-SKATEBOARD. A four-wheeled device that has a floorboard that is designed to be stood on while riding and is powered by an electric motor.
HIGHWAY. A way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. HIGHWAY includes street.
MOTORIZED BICYCLE. Any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power or no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, an automatic transmission, and a motor which produces less than four gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
(A) Parental responsibility. The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any minor child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter.
(B) Penalty for violations. Every person violating any provisions of this chapter shall be subject to the penalties provided for in Chapter 1.01 of the Menifee Municipal Code.
(C) Infraction, fines, and penalties. Any person who violates this chapter is guilty of an infraction and punishable by a fine as set forth in § 1.01.200 of the Menifee Municipal Code. This chapter may also be enforced via administrative or civil actions as authorized by § 1.01.200 of the Menifee Municipal Code.
(D) An electric bike shall meet the following criteria:
- Comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1 et seq.);
- Operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied or operate in a manner such that the motor is engaged through a switch or mechanism that, when released or deactivated, will cause the electric motor to disengage or cease to function; and
- A person shall not tamper with or modify an electric bicycle so as to change the speed capability of the device, unless he or she appropriately replaces the label indicating the appropriate classification. It shall be unlawful to operate an electric bicycle which has been modified to exceed 28 miles per hour upon any roadway, sidewalks, trail, paths or other public property within the city.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
Every person riding a bicycle or e-conveyance upon a street or sidewalk shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by the laws of the state pertaining to the rules of the road, or by the terms of this Code or other ordinances of this city applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application to bicycles or e-conveyances, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
It shall be unlawful for any person operating a bicycle or e-conveyance to fail to obey the instructions of official traffic-control signs and other traffic-control devices applicable to vehicles or bicycles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
(A) Any person under the age of 18 years old must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when riding any bicycle or e-conveyance on a public roadway, bikeway, bicycle path, bicycle trail, or bicycle route within the city, regardless of e-bike class.
(B) All people operating or riding as a passenger upon a Class 3 electric bicycle shall comply with Cal. Vehicle Code § 21213 regarding the wearing of a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
(C) Any person under the age of 16 years old shall not operate a Class 3 electric bicycle.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
(A) Any person operating a bicycle or e-conveyance upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb, edge of the roadway, or bike lane, except under any of the following situations:
- When overtaking and passing another bicycle, e-conveyance or vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
- When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway; or
- When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. (Note: "substandard width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane.)
(B) Any person operating a bicycle or e-conveyance upon a roadway or a highway which carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.
(C) Persons riding bicycles or e-conveyances upon a roadway or bike lane shall not ride more than two abreast.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
No person shall operate a bicycle or e-conveyance at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. No bicycle or e-conveyance operator shall travel over 20 miles per hour on a trail, path, park or other public property within the city.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
The operator of a bicycle or e-conveyance emerging from an alley, driveway, bicycle path, building or otherwise approaching a sidewalk or sidewalk area shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians on such sidewalk or sidewalk area, and upon entering a bicycle lane or roadway, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles or bicycles on the roadway.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
(A) Whenever a bicycle lane has been established, any person operating a bicycle or e-conveyance upon the roadway at a speed of less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction shall ride within the bicycle lane, except that such person may move out of the lane under any of the following situations:
- When overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, e-conveyance or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if such overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane;
- When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway;
- When it is reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions; or
- When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
(B) No person operating a bicycle or e-conveyance within a bicycle lane shall leave such lane until movement can be made with reasonable safety, and then only after giving the appropriate signal in the manner provided in Cal. Vehicle Code Division 11, Ch. 6 (Cal. Vehicle Code §§ 22100 et seq.) in the event that any vehicle may be affected by the movement.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
No person shall leave a bicycle or e-conveyance lying on its side on any sidewalk, nor park a bicycle or e-conveyance upon the public right-of-way, or against a building or at a curb, except in such a manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic. Where appropriate signs are posted, no person shall park a bicycle or e-conveyance on a public highway in the area designated by those signs.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
(A) Riding bicycles and e-conveyances on any sidewalk, bicycle path, bicycle trail, or roadway is permitted unless prohibited by appropriate signs authorized by the terms of this chapter.
(B) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle or e-conveyance upon a sidewalk, bicycle path, or bicycle trail, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian or person on horseback and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing pedestrians.
(C) No person shall ride or operate a bicycle or e-conveyance upon any playground, park, or school ground not specifically designated as a bicycle path or route, unless specifically posted as authorized for such use.
(D) No person shall operate a bicycle or e-conveyance on a bicycle path or bicycle trail at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour, and in no event at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under the existing conditions, or at a speed which endangers the safety of persons and/or property.
(E) When posted, no person shall operate a bicycle or e-conveyance at any city special events.
(F) The operator of a bicycle or e-conveyance shall travel in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway, regardless of whether or not the operator is in the roadway or in a bike lane. This section also applies to any sidewalk less than eight feet in width, unless there is no accompanying sidewalk on the opposite side of the street, or wherever posted signs prohibit such behavior.
(G) The operator of a bicycle or e-conveyance shall not allow a person riding as a passenger, and a person shall not ride as a passenger, on a bicycle or e-conveyance upon a highway other than upon or astride a separate seat attached thereto. The section does not apply to any type of bicycle or e-conveyance with an original factory seat designed to collectively accommodate the operator and passenger. If the passenger is four years of age or younger, or weighs 40 pounds or less, the seat shall have adequate provision for retaining the passenger in place and for protecting the passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
(A) The city's Director of Public Works is authorized to erect or place and maintain signs on any sidewalk or roadway prohibiting the riding of bicycles and/or e-conveyances by any person thereon.
(B) The city's Director of Public Works is authorized to erect or place and maintain signs upon any street, or adjacent to any street in the city, indicating the existence of a bicycle path, lane or route, or otherwise regulating the operation and use of vehicles, bicycles, and e-conveyances with respect thereto, as long as the same are consistent with this chapter. Where such a sign is erected, such other designation, including but not limited to appropriate painting or such other devices as the city's Director of Public Works shall determine, will provide sufficient notice of the existence of the bicycle path, lane or route. Said signage shall conform with the provisions established by the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
§ 12.30.190 USE OF STREETS RESTRICTED.
Riding or operating a bicycle or e-conveyance on any street with in the city is permitted in accordance with the Cal. Vehicle Code unless specifically prohibited by this chapter.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)
No person shall operate any motorized vehicle upon any bicycle lane or path, except to park when permitted, to enter or leave the roadway, or to prepare for a turn within a distance of 200 feet from the intersection. Nothing in this section shall be deemed or construed to prohibit any bus owned and operated by a public transportation district or other authorized transportation agencies from driving upon such bicycle lanes within 150 feet of any bus stop approved by the city. Motor vehicle parking is prohibited in bicycle lanes, provided such restriction is appropriately posted. This section does not prohibit the use of a motorized bicycle in a bicycle lane, pursuant to Cal. Vehicle Code § 21207.5, at a speed no greater than is reasonable or prudent, having due regard for visibility, traffic conditions, and the condition of the roadway surface of the bicycle lane, and in a manner which does not endanger the safety of persons or property.
(Ord. 2025-408, passed 3-5-2025)