Carlsbad police are now enforcing the city’s new e-bike safety laws after a 60-day warning period came to an end over Memorial Day weekend.

The new regulations include age restrictions, helmet requirements and potential penalties for unsafe riding, including citations and bike confiscations for minors who create substantial safety risks.

Busy streets in Carlsbad Village over the holiday weekend were filled with walkers, riders and drivers as the new rules officially took effect.

“I don’t think people are quite aware just yet,” said Carlsbad visitor Janee Amber.

Amber said she expects enforcement to help riders better understand the rules. “As they have friends that will get tickets then they will start talking then hopefully they will be warned,” Amber said.

According to Carlsbad’s new e-bike rules, police can impound e-motorcycles that are not street legal.

Riders of all e-bikes must be at least 12 years old. Riders younger than 18 are required to wear helmets, and all riders of Class 3 e-bikes must also wear helmets.

Parents can also be held responsible if they knowingly allow their children to violate the rules.

The city has also banned e-bike riding at Poinsettia and Pine Avenue Community Parks. New signs outlining the restrictions have been posted in several areas of both parks.

“It’s a good idea because it keeps kids out of danger there are dogs and other people around,” one resident said.

Police said minors who violate the rules and create substantial safety risks could have their bikes confiscated. To get the bike back, riders would need to complete a safety class and bring a parent.

Ty Francis, who said he has been riding e-bikes since he was 11 years old, said the penalties are likely to influence young riders.

“I think people don’t want their bikes taken. Most kids spend their money on this hard earned money,” Francis said.

While Carlsbad police said their focus remains on education, officials said the warning period is over and enforcement is now underway.

Parents can review the city’s e-bike safety laws on the City of Carlsbad website here.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.