As electric bicycles and other motorized two-wheelers become more common, the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and its partners have launched an effort to help students and families understand the devices, applicable rules, and practices for injury prevention.
The E-Bike Injury Prevention Collaborative, established in 2024, is jointly led by OCDE and the Orange County Health Care Agency. This county-wide initiative brings together hospitals, law enforcement agencies, schools, and other community groups to coordinate efforts in education and injury prevention.
Dr. Stefan Bean, the Orange County Superintendent of Schools, recently emphasized the importance of awareness at an e-bike safety event hosted by Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer's office at Angel Stadium. Bean noted that a lack of understanding regarding "the speed, the rules or the capabilities of the device" can quickly turn an e-bike into a serious safety concern for young riders.
He explained that Orange County has adopted a collaborative approach, uniting schools, health professionals, law enforcement, and families around prevention and education. The objective is to ensure families comprehend what they are purchasing, that young riders understand safety rules and best practices, and that they possess the necessary information to make informed decisions and return home safely.
Under California law, an electric bicycle must have fully operable pedals and an electric motor generating less than 750 watts. State law categorizes e-bikes into three classes. Class 1 e-bikes offer motor assistance only while pedaling, with assistance cutting off at 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes can use a throttle, with motor assistance also cutting off at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph. California law mandates that all riders under 18 wear a helmet when operating any bicycle, including e-bikes, and all Class 3 e-bike operators must wear a helmet regardless of age.
It is important for families to recognize that some higher-powered electric two-wheelers, despite resembling e-bikes, may not meet California’s legal definition and could fall under different legal classifications with varying requirements. Dareen Khatib, OCDE’s senior administrator for Health, Safety, and Prevention, stressed the importance of understanding the specific type of device a young person is riding, as differences in speed, power, and operation are significant. The collaborative aims to equip families with the knowledge to ask pertinent questions, understand regulations, and ensure young riders have the skills for safe operation.
While state law provides foundational classifications, local rules also govern where and how e-bikes can be operated. For instance, in Newport Beach, city regulations require e-bike riders to maintain reasonable speeds, obey traffic signals, yield when necessary, and avoid unsafe behaviors such as riding against traffic or weaving through pedestrians. The city also restricts electric bicycles on certain recreational trails. This highlights that rules can vary significantly between Orange County communities, especially concerning sidewalks, trails, and parks. Irvine residents are encouraged to consult their city or local law enforcement for specific rules applicable to their community.
OCDE's goal is not to promote or discourage e-bike ownership but to provide accurate information to students and families about the devices they use and how to operate them responsibly. Parents can begin by identifying the type of device their child rides, understanding its capabilities, checking local rules, and discussing helmet use, traffic laws, and safe riding practices with young riders. Dr. Bean noted that e-bike safety requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, responsible choices, thoughtful enforcement, and community cooperation, all aimed at helping young people make safe decisions.
