Brea City officials unanimously approved doubling fines for electric mobility device violations at their August 18 meeting. The decision aims to curb reckless e-bike riding, a growing trend across Orange County linked to injuries, arrests, and deaths.
Under the updated structure, a first offense will now cost $250, up from $125. A second violation within 12 months will increase from $250 to $500, and three or more offenses within the same 12-month period will carry a $1,000 fine, a rise from $500.
Police Lt. Chris Winger reported a "significant increase in violations of the e-bike ordinance" despite public outreach, education, and safety classes conducted with the Brea Olinda Unified School District. Mayor Cecilia Hupp, at a June 2 meeting where the idea was pitched, emphasized that fines needed to be hefty to correct behavior.
A staff presentation revealed a 430% increase in e-bike and e-motorcycle injuries over the past four years, with 62% of crashes involving 11- to 14-year-olds. According to the staff presentation, in 2025, the city recorded 29 warnings, citations, and arrests, alongside 21 collisions, compared to just three collisions in 2024. Councilmember Marty Simonoff described seeing juveniles "doing wheelies coming down the streets" and riding in packs, blocking traffic.
Brea’s electric mobility device ordinance prohibits riding e-bikes on sidewalks, unpaved public areas, recreational and equestrian trails, public athletic facilities, and public drainage facilities such as culverts, ditches, or channels. Passengers are not allowed on single-rider e-bikes, and individuals under 16 cannot ride 'double' regardless of the device's design.
Officers are authorized to inspect e-bikes if they suspect unlawful modification or to verify the rider's legal operation. The police department has partnered with the Brea Olinda Unified School District to require students to complete a safety class and obtain a permit to commute to school and park e-bikes on school grounds, mirroring a program in Huntington Beach.
Discussion among council members also touched on impounding devices. While e-bikes are currently impounded only if involved in a crime as evidence, illegal modified e-bikes and e-motorcycles are seized on the spot, according to Lt. Winger. Councilmember Steven Vargas expressed concern over impound fines adding to costs for parents, preferring opportunities for parents to retrieve devices instead of immediate impoundment. Councilmember Christine Marick noted that the fees' purpose is to ensure compliance, not to collect fines.
Councilmember Marick also suggested residents report unsafe operators, enabling police to use drones for enforcement. Lt. Winger confirmed police drones can follow unsafe riders home, noting that parents are often unaware of their children's activities. Councilmember Blair Stewart supported the increased fines, stating he preferred it to "hurt in the pocket than to actually be hurt."
Brea’s ordinance holds parents or legal guardians responsible for fines if the violator is a minor. Lt. Winger stated officers inform parents they could face criminal liability for allowing non-compliant devices. As an alternative to fines, both parents/guardians and the minor may be allowed to complete a police department diversion safety program at their expense, if available and permitted by the officer.
