UKIAH, CA., 12/8/25 – The Ukiah Police Department is asking parents to review local and state rules on electric bike and scooter use after getting several complaints about children riding them in dangerous ways, the agency said Monday.
Residents told police they have seen children riding e-bikes and scooters too fast, ignoring stop signs, riding after dark without lights, and behaving recklessly.
Police are reminding parents that state law requires a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit to ride an e-scooter on public roads. E-bikes must follow the same rules as regular bicycles.
Police highlighted these additional rules and safety tips:
- Children under 16 are not allowed to ride Class 2 e-bikes on public roads.
- Riders should slow down and be careful, especially in neighborhoods and parks.
- Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet when riding an e-bike or scooter.
- Children can receive citations if they ride e-bikes or regular bikes in unsafe or dangerous ways.
- Children can also be cited for riding e-scooters if they are not legally allowed to.
- Riders should stop fully at stop signs and move through intersections as if drivers may not see them.
Police are asking parents to talk about these rules with their children.
“We will continue to watch the affected areas and work closely with families to prevent accidents and injuries,” the department said in a statement. “If needed, we will issue citations. Our priority is keeping children safe and preventing a tragic outcome.”
The police department’s request comes as other Northern California jurisdictions are cracking down on young e-bike riders. In August, police in Marin County began ticketing children under the age of 16 for riding e-bikes operated by a throttle – class 2 e-bikes. The city of Los Gatos is exploring ways to reduce reckless e-bike driving and considering legislative action to do it.
The transient adults aren’t any better.