Pacific Grove to vote on changes to restrictions for e-bikes on Rec Trail

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION) The City Council in Pacific Grove will be voting on changes to electric bicycle, or e-bike, restrictions on the Recreation Trail at its next meeting.

If approved, it would allow some e-bikes on the Recreation Trail and install a 12 mph limit, according to Chief Madalone. The ones that would be allowed are Class 1 e-bikes, low-speed pedal-assisted bikes with a motor that helps with pedaling and does not help after the bike reaches 20 mph, and Class 2 e-bikes, low-speed throttle-assisted bikes with a motor that is used only to propel the bike and stops after the bike reaches 20 mph.

Class 3 e-bikes would not be allowed on the trail. Those are speed pedal-assisted bikes that are similar in function to Class 1, but they reach 28 mph and have a speedometer.

California Legislature has grouped e-bikes with scooters and mopeds in terms of regulation, but the city would allow two classes of e-bikes if it passes.

The new rules are up for a final vote at the next city council meeting on Feb. 19.