Public safety officials across Sonoma County are issued a blunt warning to parents and teens: follow the rules for e-bikes and e-scooters, or prepare for hefty fines and impounded rides.
The Press Democrat reports from Cloverdale to Petaluma, police report a dangerous uptick in underage riders weaving through traffic and skipping helmets. Rohnert Park Interim Chief Tim Mattos says education efforts haven’t been enough, noting that “it’s not the department’s job to parent your child.”
Under California law, e-scooter riders must be at least 16 years old and hold a valid learner’s permit. Citations for violations can cost up to $400 and require a mandatory appearance in juvenile traffic court. With e-bike injuries doubling annually and local crashes on the rise, several departments—including Santa Rosa and Windsor—are now utilizing a new state law that allows officers to confiscate devices used illegally.