Mobility & Curb Rules in Santa Barbara County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Santa Barbara County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Shared E-Scooter Rules

Any shared mobility business, including electric or motorized scooter rental services, must hold a county encroachment permit before operating in the unincorporated area. Scooters without a valid permit can be impounded and the operator charged with a misdemeanor.

Santa Barbara County Shared Scooter Program Rules

Significant Restrictions

Santa Barbara County Code Sec. 9-6

A shared mobility business shall obtained an encroachment permit as prescribed in chapter 28 of this Code before the commencement of business or, if the business is in operation and an encroachment permit possessed, prior to the expiration of such permit. It is unlawful for any person to conduct, engage in, or operate a shared mobility business within the unincorporated area of the county, unle...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

E-Bike Classes

County Code Sec. 9-1 splits e-bikes into three classes by motor type and top assisted speed, then groups all of them under the county's shared mobility device (SMD) rules covering bicycles, scooters and skateboards in the unincorporated area.

Santa Barbara County E-Bike Classification Rules

Light Restrictions

Santa Barbara County Code Sec. 9-1(b)

"E-bike" means any bicycle with an electric motor used for propulsion. E-bikes will be categorized into three classes: i. Class 1: Bicycles equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches twenty miles per hour. ii. Class 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor and that ceases to provide assi...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Mobility & Curb Rules by City in Santa Barbara County

1 cities in Santa Barbara County have their own mobility & curb rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

Santa MariaPop. 112,076

1 verified rule • Bike Lane Rules

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