A new state law is requiring all e-bikes be equipped with back lights, such as a red reflector on the rear that is visible from a 500-foot distance during all hours of operation, and not just during darkness as the law previously required.
Assembly Bill 544, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2025, now mandates a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear of electric bicycles during the day.
The assembly bill, authored by Assemblymember Laurie Davies, took effect on Jan. 1, 2026 and mandates the equipment at all times. Failure to comply with equipping an electric bicycle would be an infraction.
Coronado council member Amy Steward, a bicycling advocate, said a lot of bicycles are already equipped with reflectors and compliance for e-bikes is “just a matter of letting people know” about the state law through city outreach.
According to Steward, Coronado was the first city to adopt an e-bike ordinance under Assembly Bill 2234, a 2025 statute that prohibits a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle through Jan. 1, 2029. AB 2234 did not require a red reflector during the day.
AB 544 also waives $25 helmet infraction fines if a parent or guardian can prove their child has a helmet that meets specific standards and has completed a bicycle safety course, which the specialized electric bicycle safety course developed by the Department of the California Highway Patrol satisfies.
Coronado’s e-bike rules
Coronado’s regulations for e-bikes and other motorized mobility devices, including electric scooters, skateboards, and hoverboards, took effect on Jan. 3, 2025. It provides for fines of up to $25 if violated.
According to the city’s website, children under 12 years old are prohibited from operating e-bikes in Coronado. E-bikes and other motorized mobility devices, except ADA mobility devices, are prohibited on all city sidewalks, beaches and parks.
In December, the city reviewed its guidelines prioritizing e-bike regulations in the next year.
The city’s 2026 legislative policy guidelines concerning public safety call for supporting legislation allowing city-established parameters for electric bicycles to promote safety for vehicle operators and the community.
Steward said she plans to discuss the bill, AB 544, with Coronado City Manager Tina Friend and potentially add it to a future agenda.
“I’m all for everything that we can enact regarding e-bikes,” said Steward in late December, noting safety features beyond reflectors are needed to prevent catastrophes. “Everybody on the council has concerns about e-bikes.”
