Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners Approves New Pedicab Program and Public Safety Regulations for Motorized Mobility Devices

To help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and welcoming bayfront for all, the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved new regulations that support responsible pedicab owners and operators. New regulations will also allow for the continued operation of motorized mobility devices (MMDs) – such as electric pedicabs, bikes and scooters – and non-motorized pedicabs along the San Diego Bay waterfront in a safe manner.

For pedestrian safety, motorized mobility devices will only be allowed to operate on roadways, parking lots, bike lanes, and streets and will be prohibited to operate on sidewalks, promenades, multi-use pathways, nature trails, piers, plazas, parking garages, parks, and piers. Motorized mobility devices include, but are not limited to, electric bikes, motorized pedicabs, motorized scooters, hoverboards, motorized boards and skateboards, shared mobility devices, and other motorized mobility devices. Pedal-only pedicabs will be allowed to operate on certain designated mixed-use sidewalks and pathways. Additionally, beginning on February 15, 2024, all pedicabs operating (motorized and non-motorized) on Port property will be required to have a Pedicab Operating Agreement, which will include a Code of Conduct.

“We are putting public safety first, clearly designating pedicab routes, and supporting responsible pedicab companies and operators,” said Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “With so much to see and do on our bayfront, it is imperative that we continue to provide a positive and memorable experience for visitors to our San Diego Bay waterfront.”

The Port will designate motorized and pedal-only pedicab routes along the Embarcadero on North Harbor Drive from the Coast Guard station to the Hilton Bayfront and establish pedicab staging areas for pickup and drop off for both motorized and pedal-only pedicabs.

San Diego Unified Port District Code Section 8.07 is amended to reflect the new regulations, which will go into effect on December 14, 2023. In addition to the regulations described above, Port Code 8.07 will also, among other things:

• Prohibit amplified sound and music from pedicabs.
• Require pedicabs to prominently display Port-issued placard/decals on the back and each side of the pedicab, to include a phone number, email, website and QR code for the public to report potential violations to the Port.
• Require pedicab rates to be prominently displayed both inside and outside all pedicabs and full fares per trip must be agreed upon by the passengers prior to trip departure.
• Prohibit persons under the age of 18 years old to operate an MMD without a helmet.
• Prohibit persons under the age of 16 years old to operate an MMD.

Signs reflecting the new regulations will be installed. There will be exceptions allowing for ADA-compliant mobility devices used by those with mobility disabilities, as well as for Segway tour operators which must have permits, to operate in sidewalk areas.   

Once the new regulations go into effect, the public is encouraged to report complaints via phone at 619.725.6080, by email at pedicabs@portofsandiego.org, or online at portofsandiego.org/pedicabs. This reporting information will also be displayed on the pedicabs and pedicab signage around the waterfront. Port staff will set up a tracking system to monitor complaints and conduct quarterly meetings with pedicab owners and operators to review operating status.

Violations of the Port’s code may also result in citations and civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation and may also result in the suspension or termination of an operating agreement. The Port’s goal is to ensure compliance with Port Code and the Pedicab Operating Agreements through education, contracts, and enforcement, with significant penalties reserved for repeated and/or egregious misconduct.