New Bicycle and E-Bike Safety Rules in Chula Vista

Starting September 4, 2025, the City of Chula Vista will implement new bicycle and electric bicycle (e-bike) regulations under Municipal Code Chapter 10.73, aimed at improving safety for students, families, and the community. While California already has statewide rules for bicycles and e-bikes, these new local updates strengthen safety in areas where children and families ride most often, near schools, parks, and neighborhoods.

Why the Changes Were Made

Traditional bicycles and e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, offering families a fun, active, and environmentally friendly form of transportation. With more students turning to e-bikes as a way to get to school or enjoy the outdoors, the City’s ordinance focuses on building safer riding habits and ensuring riders are prepared to share the road responsibly.

What Families Should Know

The ordinance introduces several new requirements that go beyond state law, including:

• Age requirement: Students must be at least 12 years old to operate Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes.
• Passenger rules: Only riders aged 18 or older may carry passengers.
• Sidewalk restrictions: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks in business districts or where signs are posted. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks anywhere in the City.
• Helmet use: Helmets remain required for all riders under 18 on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, and for all ages on Class 3 e-bikes.

Enforcement of the new rules begins on December 3, 2025.

Student Pledge and Resources

From October 7 to November 1, CVESD schools are competing to see which site can earn the highest percentage of student pledges for the City of Chula Vista’s new bicycle and e-bike safety regulations. The winning school will receive a pizza party for the entire school! Families can learn more here and complete the student pledge here.

Pledge Contest Informational Flyer