California Cyclists to Share Bike Lanes With Electric Skateboarders

Just as motorists have had to learn to share the road with cyclists, California cyclists may have to do the same in sharing bikes lanes with electric skateboard riders, according to a bill signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Oct. 11.

2 minute read

October 17, 2015, 9:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


Riders of electric skateboards (or e-boards) have Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen of Modesto to thank for their new new legitimacy. That's the Assembly Republican Leader below on an electric skateboard in front of the Capitol on the official "Electric Skateboard Demo Day" on June 9.

Credit: Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen

Assembly Bill 604 "revers(es) a 38-year-old state ban on electric motorized boards," writes Bill Hutchinson for SF Gate.

"The ban was implemented in 1977 to keep noisy, gas-powered boards off the streets, but boards built today are quiet, clean and safe to ride," according to Assemblywoman Olsen's webpage on the bill.

Olsen's interest was as much economically-motivated as it was in advancing the rights of skateboarders and a zero-emission form of transportation. Modesto is home to Intuitive Motion, a manufacturer of electric skateboards called ZBoards.

“My legislation updates our outdated laws to give Californians an environmentally friendly transportation option, and encourages the growth of an industry to create new jobs,” Olsen said in a statement (and in the video below). [Warning: Everyone is having lots of fun - an odd appearance at the state Capitol].

As the video indicates, e-board riders will have access to the roadway, not just bike lanes, unless explicitly restricted. However, it is anticipated riders will use bike lanes where available.

Olsen's press release states, "The bill also authorizes local governments to adopt additional rules and regulations regarding the boards."

According to an email from Olsen's Capitol and Communications Director, Allison Wescott, use of the e-boards in bike lanes "is automatically legal [as of Jan. 1, 2016, when the law takes effect] unless cities want to regulate for their own needs."

Along with the new rights come responsibilities: helmets are required for e-board riders, adds Hutchinson.

According to a post last year, electric skateboards are targeted in part to a "growing number of urban professionals who don't want to drive to work."

Thursday, October 15, 2015 in SF Gate

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

6 hours ago - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

7 hours ago - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

March 28 - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.