Yucaipa, CA Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Section 9.18.010 of the Yucaipa Municipal Code defines "Electric bicycle" or "E-bike" by reference to California Vehicle Code Section 312.5. As of the date the section was adopted, the city's definition provides that an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts, categorized under Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. The chapter also defines "E-conveyance" to include any electric bicycle or e-bike, electric scooter, electrically motorized skateboard, or other device designed to convey one or more people and capable of being powered by human propulsion or electric motor propulsion.

Chapter 9.18 does not print a separate list of riding areas for each class. All three classes fall under the same operating rules, and the one class-specific rule is the helmet requirement in § 9.18.040(C): any operator or passenger of a Class 3 electric bicycle, regardless of age, must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 21213. Section 9.18.040(B) separately requires any minor, defined in § 9.18.010 as a person under 18, who operates or rides as a passenger on a bicycle or e-conveyance in a public area to wear one. Section 9.18.040(A) requires every bicycle, including electric bicycles, to meet the equipment requirements of California Vehicle Code Section 21201.

The operating rules in § 9.18.020 apply to e-bikes. Unsafe riding includes operating an e-conveyance in a manner it was not designed for, such as carrying passengers when it is not designed for them. Operation in a city park is limited to trails approved for bicycle or e-conveyance use, and is strictly prohibited on dirt, grass, athletic fields and landscaped areas. A bicycle or electric bicycle can use a sidewalk only in a driveway, in an area designated as a bikeway by the city council, or to avoid a dangerous situation or obstacle.

Electric off-highway motorcycles are a different category. Section 9.18.030 bans them, of any model (the code names Sur-Ron, Talaria and E Ride Pro), on any publicly owned property and confines them to areas designated for off-highway vehicle recreation or private property with the owner's express permission.