Oceanside police will be able to confiscate e-bikes from unsafe riders under an updated ordinance approved Wednesday by the Oceanside City Council. The revised ordinance also prohibits e-bike riders from carrying a passenger unless the bike is designed for more than one person and is equipped with a second seat. “We are optimistic this unique and strategic approach will help lessen community concerns, lower injury collisions involving e-bikes, and (create) safer roadways in our community,” police Chief Taurino Valdovinos said in a news release. “Temporary seizure will aid in the potential prosecution of the case,” he said. “However, we believe this amendment also provides an immediate and meaningful consequence to reckless riders in the city of Oceanside.” Bicycle-related calls increased steadily from 69 calls in 2021 to 918 in 2025, police said. Incidents involved unsafe behaviors such as reckless operation, riding in prohibited areas, and carrying unauthorized passengers. Eligible citations can be resolved by completing a bicycle or e-bike safety course rather than paying fines or going to court, police Capt. Scott Garrett said in a presentation to the City Council. Oceanside has issued at least 135 bicycle and e-bike citations since September 2024, and at least 50 of those have been resolved through the city’s educational diversion program, Garrett said. Bikes seized as evidence will be held at no charge on city property until the case is adjudicated and then released to the owner, he said. Seizures reduce the likelihood of repeated unsafe operation while the criminal case is pending, police said. They provide a practical enforcement tool that encourages safer riding behavior without imposing a financial hardship on families. The Oceanside ordinance adopted in 2024 was based on the “education-first” enforcement model. The ordinance does not specify an amount for fines or penalties, though an amount could be set in court. Some other San Diego County cities have taken enforcement further by prohibiting anyone younger than 12 from riding e-bikes. A pilot program that allows cities to enforce the ban took effect this year under Assembly Bill 2234, sponsored by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, D-Encinitas. The program sunsets Jan. 1, 2029, and it only applies to San Diego County and its cities. Carlsbad’s City Council voted unanimously in December to prohibit anyone under age 12 from riding e-bikes and ban the machines at two city parks that have had excessive problems with them, such as riders endangering pedestrians. Chula Vista, Coronado, Poway, San Marcos and Santee adopted similar ordinances last year to prohibit e-bikes for children younger than 12. Final approval of one in Santee is expected this month. ...read more read less