Elementary students in Carlsbad Unified can no longer ride e-bikes to school.

The district's Board of Trustees voted Sept. 14 to adopt Board Policy 5142.04 and a companion administrative regulation, creating the first formal rules for e-bikes and electric mobility devices across all 16 CUSD campuses. The policy took effect immediately, according to the North County Daily Star, which first reported the adoption. The vote count was not included in district records available as of publication.

The new rules draw a bright line by age. E-bikes, electric mopeds and similar devices are banned outright for students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. Middle and high school students 12 and older may bring a standard e-bike to campus, but only after completing a district-approved safety course and obtaining a free permit with a sticker for their bike. Electric mopeds, motorcycles and dirt bikes are prohibited at every grade level.

Class 3 e-bikes are restricted to students 16 and older. Students ages 12 to 15 may ride only Class 1 or Class 2 models, according to the district's e-bike page. All riders must wear helmets, walk their bikes once on school grounds and lock them in designated parking areas. No charging on campus.

A two-week grace period applies at the start of each school year and for students new to the district.

Violations follow a progressive discipline ladder: a warning and parent notification first, then possible suspension or revocation of riding privileges. Serious cases can trigger formal discipline under California Education Code Section 48900. Students who lose privileges can earn them back by repeating safety training.

The policy also reaches beyond campus. The district can address unsafe riding on the way to or from school, including violations of Carlsbad's Municipal Code or the California Vehicle Code.

Board President Michele T Ward said in a Sept. 30 statement that the district now has "clearer tools to address unsafe riding connected to school travel, while continuing to coordinate with the City of Carlsbad and local law enforcement."

The policy was developed alongside the City of Carlsbad and aligns with Municipal Code 10.56, the city's own e-bike ordinance authorized under Assembly Bill 2234. Under the city's rules, minors who create a substantial public safety risk may have their e-bikes impounded. Retrieving an impounded bike requires completing a safety course, passing an in-person test and having a parent present.

Carlsbad Police Chief Christie Calderwood said in a joint statement that her department conducted a 60-day education period before full enforcement of the city's e-bike laws began. Officer Cromwell Dangca, a school resource officer at Calavera Hills Middle School, delivered e-bike safety presentations to staff and students the week of Sept. 19, according to a school newsletter.

Families interested in e-bike permits can visit the CUSD e-bike webpage for application details and approved safety courses.