Oceanside to confiscate e-bikes from reckless riders

Oceanside police will be able to confiscate e-bikes from unsafe riders under an updated ordinance approved Wednesday by the Oceanside City Council.

The revised ordinance also prohibits e-bike riders from carrying a passenger unless the bike is designed for more than one person and is equipped with a second seat.

“We are optimistic this unique and strategic approach will help lessen community concerns, lower injury collisions involving e-bikes, and (create) safer roadways in our community,” police Chief Taurino Valdovinos said in a news release.

“Temporary seizure will aid in the potential prosecution of the case,” he said. “However, we believe this amendment also provides an immediate and meaningful consequence to reckless riders in the city of Oceanside.”

Bicycle-related calls increased steadily from 69 calls in 2021 to 918 in 2025, police said. Incidents involved unsafe behaviors such as reckless operation, riding in prohibited areas, and carrying unauthorized passengers.

Eligible citations can be resolved by completing a bicycle or e-bike safety course rather than paying fines or going to court, police Capt. Scott Garrett said in a presentation to the City Council.

Oceanside has issued at least 135 bicycle and e-bike citations since September 2024, and at least 50 of those have been resolved through the city’s educational diversion program, Garrett said.

Bikes seized as evidence will be held at no charge on city property ...