La Mesa has approved a new e-bike safety ordinance that prohibits children under 12 from operating Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles within city limits, according to East County Magazine.

The City Council voted 4-1 on May 12 to adopt the rule under California's San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program. The ordinance takes effect 30 days after adoption, followed by a 60-day education period when police will issue warnings instead of fines.

After that period, violations may bring a $25 administrative citation. Parents or guardians can avoid the fine if the child completes an approved e-bike safety training course within 120 days of the citation, according to the report.

The law covers Class 1 e-bikes, which provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph, and Class 2 e-bikes, which can use throttle power up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are already limited under state law to riders 16 and older.

For Santee families, the La Mesa vote is another sign that East County cities are moving toward similar rules for younger riders. East County Magazine reported that La Mesa officials cited other San Diego County cities, including Santee, that have adopted related e-bike restrictions.