Like other cities in Orange County, electric bikes are apparently becoming, or have become a problem in the city of La Palma as it’s police department announced a crackdown and enforcement of their rules.
“The City of La Palma reminds residents and visitors that the City’s ordinance regulating e-bike usage and other electronic mobility devices is in effect, with active enforcement underway by the Police Department as part of an ongoing commitment to roadway and community safety,” it said in a press release on the subject.
According to the city, the La Palma City Council adopted the ordinance in September 2025, following recommendations from the Orange County Grand Jury on health and safety risks associated with the unregulated operation of e-bikes and similar electronic mobility devices.
The ordinance aims to promote the safe and responsible use of e-bikes, motorized scooters, and other similar devices.
“E-bikes have become an increasingly popular means of transportation and recreation, particularly among our youth,” said Interim Police Chief Todd Mattern in the statement.
“We want them to be able to enjoy riding e-bikes, but with that popularity comes responsibility. This ordinance provides expectations for riders and parents and is intended to promote safe, responsible riding to help prevent the kinds of accidents and injuries we have seen in nearby communities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Capt. Jesse Amend, whose job it is within the department to carry out the enforcement, said while there have been problems, the current effort results from recommendations from the Orange County Grand Jury and generally “to stay ahead of the curve.”
“This enforcement is probably more preventative,” said Capt. Jesse Amend, “because we are noticing in the city an increased use of electric bikes. We have definitely had calls related to e-bikes and traffic collisions,” he said.
However, he said the additional e-bike enforcement “is a way for us to get ahead of it before it becomes a serious problem within our community.”
Nevertheless, according to the release, as part of the City’s ongoing public education efforts, new signs have now been installed throughout La Palma, including the Edison Right-of-Way, public facilities, and other public areas, to remind riders of the new regulation.
Riders of e-bikes, motorized scooters, and similar electrical mobility devices should be aware of the following requirements:
- No riding on sidewalks.
- Riding is prohibited at public facilities and outside of any roadway or other paved public areas.
- Riding is also prohibited in public athletic fields and athletic/sports courts.
- Riders must obey traffic laws, traffic control devices, and operate with due care for pedestrians and other roadway users.
- No riding in an unsafe manner.
- Passengers may not be carried on a device designed for only a single user.
- Riders under 16 may not ride tandem or carry a passenger, regardless of the device’s capacity or ability to do so.
- Riders may not hold onto or attach themselves to a moving vehicle.
- In no case shall an operator operate an electric mobility device at a speed greater than 28 miles per hour in any public area.
The ordinance does not apply to or otherwise restrict persons with mobility disabilities utilizing a wheelchair or other power-driven mobility device in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
City officials urge parents and riders to verify that their device legally qualifies as an e-bike.
Generally, devices that exceed legal e-bike power or speed limitations, lack fully operable pedals, or have been modified to exceed those limitations, may instead be classified as e-motorcycles or other motor vehicles. Those vehicles may require a driver’s license, registration, insurance, and other equipment and cannot simply be operated as an e-bike by a child.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has established a specialized unit to address illegal e-motorcycle use. Parents who knowingly allow their children to ride illegal e-motorcycles may be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review and possible criminal charges.
The La Palma Police Department has focused on education and voluntary compliance as the community becomes familiar with the new ordinance. With signs now installed and ongoing community outreach, officers will enforce violations of the ordinance when observed.
Parents are encouraged to know exactly what type of device their child is riding, understand its speed and power capabilities, and ensure their child is legally permitted and properly equipped to operate it.
Additional information on the ordinance is available at lapalmaca.gov/ebikes.