Pleasanton is about 29 miles north of Saratoga. San Francisco Supervisor Alan Wong is preparing legislation to enforce current rules for e-bikes, e-scooters and other powered devices. He cited safety concerns, injury reports and complaints from residents. The proposal is set for introduction next week, followed by hearings, and would require approval before becoming effective.
The measure would cover age requirements, helmets, speed restrictions and sidewalk riding. Wong also said it would provide safety education, notify parents or guardians and establish interventions based on a minor’s age. He described a July crash in which an electric unicycle hit a woman pushing a stroller as she crossed the Great Highway at Lawton Street.
Wong said the woman was hospitalized and the child was not hurt.
The San Francisco Police Department has announced an operation in South of Market, but ABC7 Eyewitness News reported it found no public records of e-bike or e-scooter violation citations from the prior several years. San Mateo County enacted an e-bike ordinance last month, and Danville barred e-bike and e-scooter use in parks. James Rutledge of Electric Bike Center San Francisco supports the plan.
San Francisco resident Brian Davis urged tougher speed enforcement. Dr. John Maa, with the San Francisco Marin Medical Society, said pediatric trauma centers have seen more e-bike injuries, including some resembling motorcycle injuries.