City council members approved increased regulations for e-bikes in an initial vote, joining a growing list of Orange County cities eying similar ordinances.

Encinitas is seeking to follow the lead of other neighboring cities by strengthening and clarifying its laws governing e-bikes.

Irvine is joining other Orange County cities in cracking down on reckless e-bike riding with new regulations that could classify violations as misdemeanors with fines up to $500. The 6-1 council vote follows recent e-bike fatalities and aligns with new state laws enhancing safety requirements.