Santa Clarita Approves Escalating E-Bike Fines
The City Council's 4-0 vote adds unsafe riding behaviors to the municipal code and sets fines of $200 to $500 for repeat violations.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The Santa Clarita City Council approved an escalating fine program for unsafe e-bike riding on October 27 in a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Jason Gibbs absent. Fines start at $200 for a first offense, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third and subsequent violations.
Why it matters
The ordinance responds to public complaints, injury concerns, and lawsuits tied to e-bike and e-motorcycle incidents in the city. Enforcement has been constrained by Sheriff's Station staffing and the dozens of miles of trails in the area, and state law limits impoundment and parental liability.
The fine schedule rises from $200 for a first offense to $300 for a second and $500 for a third and subsequent violations. Since March 2025, the SCV Sheriff's Station has impounded 87 e-motorcycles and cited their riders.
The players
Santa Clarita City Council
The five-member governing body of Santa Clarita, California, which approves the city's municipal code and ordinances.
Jason Gibbs
A Santa Clarita city councilman who was absent from the October 27 meeting at which the fine program was approved.
SCV Sheriff's Station
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department station serving the Santa Clarita Valley, which has led enforcement against illegal e-vehicle riding.
L.A. County District Attorney's Office
The prosecutorial office for Los Angeles County, which advised that long-term confiscation of e-bikes is not allowed.
The details
The amended municipal code adds weaving between pedestrians, unsafe passing, performing stunts, and failing to yield to the list of unsafe e-bike behaviors. The city's reporting system will share information with law enforcement and records L.A. County Sheriff's Department contact with riders and parents.
Timeline
March 2025: Sheriff's Station began proactive efforts against illegal e-vehicle behavior.
Summer 2026: City began outreach with local school districts.
August 2026: A community meeting heard about persisting e-bike problems.
October 27, 2026: City Council approved the fine program in a 4-0 vote.
Roadmap
The ordinance operates within the limits California law places on impoundment and on holding parents liable for minors' violations. City staff have asked the council to advocate for state changes that would allow asset forfeiture.
Riders of unsafe e-bikes in Santa Clarita now face fines starting at $200 and rising to $500 for repeat offenses. Residents who witness unsafe riding can report it through the city's new reporting system, which shares information with law enforcement.
The takeaway
Riders who use e-bikes or e-motorcycles in Santa Clarita should follow the listed rules on weaving, passing, stunts and yielding to avoid escalating fines. Parents should note that state law limits how far liability for a minor's violations can extend.
Further reading
For more on rules for two-wheeled electric transport, see Electric Vehicles coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Clarita Valley Signal.
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