La Mesa Bans E-Bike Riders Under 12 Amid Safety Concerns

City leaders and residents say younger riders are engaging in dangerous behavior on local roads.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:51am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring an electric bicycle icon repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the modern pop culture of e-bike usage in a vibrant, high-contrast visual metaphor.As cities across San Diego County crack down on e-bike safety, La Mesa's new ban on riders under 12 aims to curb the growing risks on local roads.La Mesa Today

The La Mesa City Council has unanimously voted to ban e-bike riders under the age of 12 amid growing safety concerns. Councilmembers and residents say they've noticed reckless behavior from younger riders, including speeding, wheelies, and failing to stop at signs. The move reflects a broader trend across San Diego County, where other cities have also introduced stricter e-bike regulations in recent months.

Why it matters

E-bike safety has become a major issue in La Mesa and across San Diego County, with data showing the city recorded 30 accidents involving e-bikes in 2023, ranking 11th among the top 20 cities in the county for reported incidents. City leaders and residents say the new ban is a necessary step to address the problem and protect public safety.

The details

The La Mesa City Council approved the measure banning e-bike riders under 12 in a 5-0 vote. Councilmember Laura Lothian said the decision comes as safety concerns escalate, with younger riders engaging in risky behavior like speeding, wheelies, and failing to stop at signs. Resident Dory Miller, a lifelong La Mesa resident and former fifth-grade teacher, says she's witnessed these issues firsthand while walking her dogs, and supports the new rule, though she wishes the age limit were even higher.

  • The La Mesa City Council approved the e-bike ban on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.
  • In 2023, La Mesa recorded 30 accidents involving e-bikes.

The players

Laura Lothian

A La Mesa City Councilmember who supported the e-bike ban, citing growing safety concerns.

Dory Miller

A lifelong La Mesa resident and former fifth-grade teacher who supports the e-bike ban and has witnessed unsafe behavior from younger riders in her community.

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What they’re saying

“I can't imagine 10- and 11-year-olds on these things. They're dangerous.”

— Laura Lothian, La Mesa City Councilmember

“You're seeing the speeding, you're seeing the wheelies, and you're seeing cars maneuvering around them—clearly getting dangerous.”

— Laura Lothian, La Mesa City Councilmember

“I walk my dogs twice a day… and these children on e-bikes are flying through, especially down La Mesa Boulevard. They run through stop signs, and I'm just worried about them—and anyone else who might hit them.”

— Dory Miller, Lifelong La Mesa Resident

“I'm very proud of the city of La Mesa for following through on this.”

— Dory Miller, Lifelong La Mesa Resident

What’s next

The new e-bike ban for riders under 12 will go into effect in La Mesa on June 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The e-bike ban in La Mesa reflects a broader trend of cities across San Diego County taking action to address safety concerns, as data shows a rise in accidents involving the vehicles. The move highlights the need for stricter regulations to protect both younger riders and the general public on local roads.