(CLAIR | Simi Valley) — Simi Valley officials are considering new rules to address safety concerns surrounding electric vehicles (e-vehicles) on sidewalks. The City Council is debating an ordinance that could ban devices like e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-boards from sidewalks and introduce stricter safety guidelines. City leaders say the move is necessary to reduce accidents and clarify the rules for riders.
“We’ve had incidents where pedestrians were hit by these devices,” said Sgt. Joshua McAlister of the Simi Valley Police Department. “They’re heavy and can cause serious injuries. We need to address this before the situation gets worse.”
Addressing a Growing Concern
E-vehicles have become increasingly popular in Simi Valley, particularly among younger residents. While they offer convenience and an eco-friendly transportation option, they also pose challenges when used in busy pedestrian areas. Current city laws don’t cover all e-vehicles, leaving gaps in enforcement and regulation.
McAlister presented the issue to the City Council last month, citing a rise in collisions involving e-bikes and e-scooters. He noted that many accidents occur because riders don’t follow traffic laws or use sidewalks improperly. “We need clearer rules to protect pedestrians and guide riders,” he said.
Learning from Other Cities
Simi Valley is looking to cities like Manhattan Beach and Irvine for guidance. Manhattan Beach recently implemented an emergency ordinance banning e-bikes from sidewalks, setting speed limits on bike paths, and introducing fines for violations. Irvine has also taken steps, setting speed limits for e-bikes on streets and bike paths and banning them from open space areas due to fire hazards from lithium-ion batteries.
Both cities reported an increase in e-vehicle-related accidents prior to these measures. In Irvine, 80% of the incidents occurred near schools, highlighting the need for targeted safety efforts. Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery said their actions were driven by the need to act locally. “State law isn’t strong enough to address these issues,” he said. “We couldn’t wait.”
Proposed Rules for Simi Valley
The ordinance under consideration could include:
- A ban on e-vehicles from sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and certain trails.
- Speed limits for e-vehicles on bike paths and streets.
- Requirements for riders to follow traffic laws, including yielding to pedestrians.
- Fines for violations to ensure compliance.
The city is also looking at education initiatives. McAlister said the police department is working with schools to teach students about safe e-vehicle use. “Education is part of the solution, but we also need enforceable rules,” he said.
Balancing Safety and Accessibility
The potential changes have sparked discussion in the community. Some residents support stricter rules, saying e-vehicles on sidewalks create unsafe conditions for pedestrians. Others worry that new restrictions might limit the accessibility of e-vehicles, which serve as an affordable transportation option for students and workers.
“This is about creating safe spaces for everyone,” said Councilmember Mike Judge. “We want to ensure pedestrians feel secure while also allowing e-vehicles to be used responsibly.”
What’s Next?
The City Council will continue to evaluate the proposed ordinance in upcoming meetings. If approved, the changes could take effect later this year, giving residents and businesses time to adjust.
The proposed ordinance is not aimed at banning e-vehicles entirely but rather ensuring they are used safely and responsibly. City officials recognize that these devices are an important part of modern transportation and are focused on finding a balanced approach that prioritizes both safety and accessibility.
