Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Jackie Speier, District 1
Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3
Subject: Introduction of an ordinance related to "Electric Micromobility Devices"
RECOMMENDATION:
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Introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 7.80 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code to add provisions related to "Electric Micromobility Devices" and waive the reading of the ordinance in its entirety.
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BACKGROUND:
The increasing popularity and affordability of electrically powered micromobility devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, e-motorcycles, and similar vehicles, has resulted in increasing numbers of accidents and injuries to riders and pedestrians. Many such incidents are due to unsafe operation including excessive speed, excessive power, and violations of law. The Board held a Study Session on May 5, 2026, and heard information from multiple experts and stakeholders, including: San Mateo County's Public Health Officer Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, the Sheriff's Office, the County Attorney's Office, the District Attorney's Office, Dr. John Maa (trauma surgeon), Dr. Blake Taylor (neurosurgeon), Dr. Sunil Bhopale (emergency medicine), Bob Mittelstaedt (e-bike advocate), Mike Swire (bicycle and safe-streets advocate), and Johan Sijp (high school student). The Board previously considered the first version of an ordinance related to "electronic conveyance devices" on March 10, 2026
California Vehicle Code Section 312.5 defines "Electric Bicycles" with a three-class system depending on product features and speeds. Other electric motor devices that are regulated by the Vehicle Code include "Electric Skateboards" (referred to in Vehicle Code Section 313.5 as "Electrically Motorized Board[s]"), Motorized Bicycles (Vehicle Code Section 406), and Motorized Scooters (Vehicle Code Section 407.5). In some cases, devices appear to be Electric Bicycles, but, because t...
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