San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Alan Wong plans to introduce legislation aimed at enforcing existing rules for e-bikes, e-scooters and other powered devices. He cited safety concerns and complaints from residents, including reports of injuries involving the devices.
The measure would address requirements involving age restrictions, helmets, speed limits and riding on sidewalks. Wong said the proposal would also include safety education, notification for parents or guardians and interventions based on a minor’s age. The legislation is scheduled for introduction next week, followed by hearings. It would need approval before taking effect.
Wong said residents have contacted him about unsafe riding. He also pointed to a July incident in which, according to his account, an electric unicycle struck a woman pushing a stroller while she crossed the Great Highway at Lawton Street. The woman was hospitalized, while the child was not injured, Wong said.
The San Francisco Police Department recently announced an enforcement operation in the South of Market neighborhood. However, ABC7 Eyewitness News reported that it could not find public records of citations for e-bike or e-scooter violations from the previous several years.
Other Bay Area jurisdictions have also taken action. San Mateo County adopted an e-bike ordinance last month, while Danville prohibited e-bike and e-scooter riding in parks.
