Modesto Advances Bike and E-Bike Rules With Fines Up to $5,000 and Impoundment Up to 30 Days, Modesto Bee Reports

Bicyclists and e-bike riders in Modesto, California, could soon face fines of up to $5,000, misdemeanor charges and the potential seizure of their rides under proposed city rules. The Modesto City Council voted 6-0 on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, to introduce an ordinance overhauling the city's bicycle regulations, which would also allow police to impound bicycles and certain electric devices for up to 30 days, The Modesto Bee reported.

Tuesday's vote was the ordinance's introduction, not final adoption. The rules must return to the council for approval and would take effect 30 days after final passage, according to the Bee and CBS Sacramento.

What the proposed ordinance would do

Escalating fines. Most violations could bring a $500 administrative fine for a first offense, $2,500 for a second and $5,000 for a third or subsequent violation. Violations could alternatively be prosecuted as misdemeanors, the Bee reported.

Parents and guardians. Parents or legal guardians who assist, authorize or permit minors under their control to violate the rules could face a separate $2,000 administrative penalty per minor.

Education for young riders. The police chief or a designee could require violators 17 and younger to complete an operator education course on bicycle safety and the law.

Stunts and takeovers. Wheelies, jumps, spins and other stunts would be barred on public streets, sidewalks, pathways and parking lots. A street takeover is defined as coordinated activity by at least two riders that interferes with traffic, creates a safety hazard or causes a public nuisance; ordinary group rides that follow traffic laws remain permitted.

Trail and park speeds. A general 15 mph limit would apply to bicycles and certain electric devices in city parks and on recreational trails unless otherwise posted (the parks director could allow up to 20 mph), and riders could not go faster than 5 mph while failing to yield when passing other trail users.

Sidewalks. E-bikes and certain other electric devices would be prohibited from city sidewalks; conventional bikes would remain barred from sidewalks in the defined downtown area.

Impoundment and appeals. Owners would have 10 calendar days after notice to appeal an impound; the city would generally schedule a hearing within 15 calendar days of a complete appeal. Devices unclaimed for 90 days after notice could be disposed of, with additional notice and appeal protections.

Exemptions. Mobility devices used by people with disabilities and permitted organized events are exempt.

Why the city says it acted

Police Chief Brandon Gillespie told the council the proposal was developed over several months in response to concerns about dangerous bicycle and e-bike riding, particularly organized groups that obstruct traffic, perform stunts and create hazards, the Bee reported. A staff report said police have encountered organized bicycle groups ranging from as few as three riders to more than 100, and city officials said existing laws have provided limited deterrence against repeated dangerous behavior.

The ordinance would apply to conventional bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, certain motorized skateboards and off-highway electric motorcycles, depending on the provision. According to the staff report, penalties are not intended to generate revenue.

“We want people to walk and use our trails to bike. That's what we want,” Mayor Sue Zwahlen said, CBS Sacramento reported.

Questions raised

During public comment, one speaker questioned whether a $500 first-offense penalty was appropriate for minors and suggested warnings and education for some first violations. Council members asked how officers would enforce trail speed limits, identify juvenile riders and decide when parents should be held responsible. CBS Sacramento noted the proposal does not spell out exactly what police would need to prove to hold a parent responsible.

Lt. Dan Starr said officers would use patrol vehicles, bicycles and e-bikes to enforce the rules, and Gillespie said the department has about half a dozen e-bikes for officers and would consider radar equipment and speed-warning signs along trails, the Bee reported.

Where it stands

The ordinance is proposed, not law. It must return to the Modesto City Council for final adoption, then take effect 30 days later. This is news coverage of a proposed city ordinance, not legal advice; riders should check the City of Modesto for the final adopted text.

The e-bike pros' take

Know where you ride. The proposal treats sidewalks, parks, trails and streets differently, so check local rules before you ride.

Trail manners matter. Slow down and yield when passing walkers and other riders.

Parents, take note. The proposal includes a separate penalty for parents who permit minors to violate the rules.

Need a helmet? See e-bike–rated helmet picks on ElectricBikes.com

More e-bike law news: San Diego Starts Writing E-Bike Citations After 60-Day Grace Period Ends, 10News Reports · Albany County, N.Y., Passes E-Bike Helmet Law for All Riders, Spectrum Reports · North Carolina Adopts Three-Class E-Bike System Effective Dec. 1

Photo: The Modesto Arch, by Carl Skaggs via Wikimedia Commons (public domain); cropped, headline added in the featured image. Illustrative Modesto landmark; not a product endorsement.