Elk Grove weighs tougher e-bike rules as complaints, collisions surge
The proposed ordinance would establish rules governing where and how bicycles and personal transportation devices can be operated
ELK GROVE, Calif. — Elk Grove officials are considering tougher regulations for e-bikes, scooters and other personal transportation devices as police report a sharp increase in calls involving the devices and bicycle-related collisions have more than doubled since 2023.
The Elk Grove City Council on Wednesday will consider an ordinance establishing new rules governing bicycles, e-bikes, motorized scooters and electrically motorized boards.
According to a city staff report, Elk Grove police received about seven e-bike-related calls for service in 2023. That increased to 62 in 2025.
So far in 2026, police have already recorded approximately 122 e-bike-related calls — nearly twice the total for all of last year.
Calls involving scooters also increased, from approximately 128 in 2023 to 245 in 2025.
The increase comes amid growing concerns about reckless use of e-bikes and similar devices, particularly as increasingly powerful electric two-wheel vehicles have become popular with younger riders. Videos posted on social media, including one shared with Elk Grove News, have highlighted the kind of riding behavior fueling complaints about e-bike misuse.
City officials are also pointing to collision data as justification for updating Elk Grove's regulations.
According to the city's CRASH, or Crash Reduction through Analysis of Safety Hazards, database, there were 238 bicycle-related collisions from 2023 through 2025, including 27 that resulted in major injuries.
The annual number of bicycle-related collisions increased from 51 in 2023 to 110 in 2025.
"The need for updated regulations is driven by the increased use of bicycles and PTDs and the associated rise in safety concerns," the staff report said.
The proposed ordinance would establish rules governing where and how bicycles and personal transportation devices can be operated.
Under the proposal, bicycles could continue to be ridden on sidewalks, but personal transportation devices generally would be prohibited unless signs specifically allow their use. Electric-powered devices with motors capable of more than 750 watts would be prohibited from sidewalks.
On Class I bikeways, bicycles and personal transportation devices would be limited to 15 mph. Electric devices with motors capable of more than 750 watts would be prohibited from those paths.
The ordinance would also prohibit unauthorized racing, speed and endurance contests, reckless riding and trick riding on public property. Riders carrying passengers would be required to use equipment designed with a separate seat or carrier and footrests.
The proposal also gives Elk Grove police substantial enforcement authority.
The city could impound a bicycle or personal transportation device operated in violation of the ordinance and hold it for up to 30 days. Owners would have a process to challenge an impoundment.
A first violation of the chapter could be prosecuted as an infraction. A subsequent violation within five years could constitute a misdemeanor.
The proposed ordinance also addresses modifications to electric devices, prohibiting riders from altering speed capabilities or motor settings without appropriately changing the label identifying the device's classification.
The Elk Grove Trails Committee voted 4-0-1 on Aug. 3 to recommend approval of the ordinance. Committee members also emphasized education, trail signage and public outreach as the new regulations are implemented.
City staff said implementation and enforcement are not expected to have a significant fiscal impact and can be handled with existing departmental resources.
The City Council could introduce the ordinance Wednesday. If ultimately adopted, it would take effect 30 days after adoption.
