Carlsbad considers prohibiting e-bike use for kids under 12

The City of Carlsbad is considering passing a new law that would prohibit kids under the age of 12 from using e-bikes. This is following a growing concern for e-bike and pedestrian safety. There were reported over 550 public comments in favor of the new law and further restrictions. The law would add Licensing, registration, and insurance requirements for e-bikers, prohibit kids under the age of 12 from riding e-bikes, and prohibit riders under the age of 16 from having passengers. The city's current laws are that riders must obey traffic laws and are prohibited from riding on sidewalks, a slower speed is required in high pedestrian areas, and helmets are required for riders under 18 or riding a class 3 e-bike.