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 Conveyance 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 Conveyance Devices" and waive the reading of the ordinance in its entirety.
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BACKGROUND:
The increased popularity and affordability of Electric Conveyance Devices ("E-Conveyances"), including e-bikes, e-motorcycles, and similar vehicles, has resulted in more accidents due to unsafe operation including excessive speed, excessive power, and violations of law. Deaths from accidents are increasing, and the weight of these conveyances results in injuries more severe than those from manual pedal bicycles. The most vulnerable group involved in E-Conveyance accidents are school-aged youth, with data showing that 10-15 year olds can have a 5-times higher crash rate than other age groups. The County has received many requests from cities in San Mateo County for a model ordinance to address safety concerns and enforce violations.
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 they don't fit the State law definition of an "Electric Bicycle" or any other vehicle authorized to use public roads, their use is unlawful in public places.
DISCUSSION:
Existing State law contains a number of provisions related to electric...
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