San Marcos, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Under-12 ban
- Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, citywide
- Infraction fine
- $25.00 under CVC 21214.7
- Fine waiver
- Safety course proof within 120 days
- Class 3 e-bikes
- Barred from all City parks/trails
- Trail speed cap
- 15 mph, 5 mph near other users
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 2025-1567 (11-10-2025)
Summary
San Marcos bars anyone under 12 from operating a Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycle anywhere in the City under SMMC 12.25.050, and separately closes City trails and parks to Class 3 e-bikes entirely while letting Class 1 and 2 e-bikes use most trails under Section 9.04.070.
(a)Persons under 12 years of age are prohibited from operating Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles, as defined in California Vehicle Code section 312.5, anywhere within the City. This prohibition shall extend to all areas of the City, including those governed by Section 9.04.070. [...] (2)Electric Bicycles. No Person shall operate a class 3 electric bicycle or homemade electric bicycle within any Park or on any City trail. Class 1 and class 2 electric bicycles are permitted, except on certain trails, as designated by the Director. A list of the trails on which electric bicycles are prohibited, and a map depicting the trails, shall be posted on the City website, and kept on file in the office of the Director, where they shall be publicly available.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 14 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
030. 050, adopted by Ordinance No. 070," meaning the age ban applies on streets and in City parks and trails alike. 00 fine, but if the minor's parent or guardian delivers proof within 120 days that the child completed an e-bike safety and training program under Streets and Highways Code Section 894, no record is sent to the court and no fee is imposed. A parent or guardian is jointly and severally liable for the fine if an unemancipated minor violates the section. 070(f)(2) adds the where-can-each-class-ride layer for parkland: Class 3 e-bikes and homemade electric bicycles are barred from every City park and City trail outright, while Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on trails except on a specific list the Parks and Recreation Director maintains and posts on the City website. 070(f)(1), dropping to 5 mph within 50 feet of another trail user, and must wear helmet gear as required by Vehicle Code Section 21212.
Violations & Fines
An under-12 rider on a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike faces a $25.00 infraction fine under Vehicle Code Section 21214.7, waivable with proof of completing an approved e-bike safety course within 120 days; a parent or guardian is jointly liable for the fine. Riding a Class 3 or homemade e-bike in a City park or on a City trail violates Section 9.04.070 and is enforced as a Municipal Code infraction under Section 1.12.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 12-year-old ride an e-bike in San Marcos?
Are Class 3 e-bikes allowed on San Marcos trails?
What happens if a child is cited for riding a banned e-bike class?
Can Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes ride on every San Marcos trail?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Marcos
California rules heatmap·Compare San Marcos to another location·View the California mobility & curb rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
E-Bike Classes in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle e-bike classes.