Quick look: As e-bikes and other electric two-wheelers become increasingly common, OCDE and its community partners are working to help students and families understand the differences between devices, the rules that apply and the practices that can help prevent injuries.
E-bikes have become a familiar sight around Orange County schools and neighborhoods. But not every two-wheeler with a battery is the same, and understanding those differences can be an important first step toward keeping young riders safe.
That message is central to the E-Bike Injury Prevention Collaborative, launched in 2024 and jointly hosted by the Orange County Department of Education and Orange County Health Care Agency. The countywide effort brings together hospitals, law enforcement, schools and other community partners around education, injury prevention and coordinated action.
County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean recently spoke about the importance of prevention and awareness during an e-bike safety event hosted by county District Attorney Todd Spitzer‘s office at Angel Stadium.
“We’ve seen how quickly an e-bike can become a serious safety issue when a young rider doesn’t understand the speed, the rules or the capabilities of the device,” Bean said.
“That’s why Orange County has taken a collaborative approach, bringing schools, health professionals, law enforcement and families together around prevention and education,” the county superintendent said. “Our goal is to make sure families understand what they’re buying, that young riders know the rules and best practices for riding safely, and that they have the information they need to make good decisions and return home safely.”
Not every e-bike is the same
Under California law, an electric bicycle has fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. State law divides e-bikes into three classes.
Class 1 e-bikes provide motor assistance only while the rider is pedaling, with assistance cutting off at 20 mph. Class 2 bikes may use a throttle, with motor assistance cutting off at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance that cuts off at 28 mph. Under California law, riders under 18 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, including an e-bike, and all Class 3 e-bike operators are required to wear a helmet regardless of age.
Some higher-powered electric two-wheelers that resemble e-bikes do not meet California’s definition of an electric bicycle and may instead fall into other legal categories with different requirements.
For families, that makes it important to understand more than what a device looks like or how it is marketed.
“One of the most important things families can do is understand exactly what kind of device a young person is riding,” said Dareen Khatib, OCDE’s senior administrator for Health, Safety and Prevention. “The differences in speed, power and how these devices operate really matter. Our goal is to help families ask the right questions, understand the rules and make sure young riders have the knowledge and skills they need to ride safely.”
Know the rules where you ride
State law establishes the basic classifications and requirements for e-bikes, but families should also pay attention to local rules governing where and how they can be operated.
In Newport Beach, for example, city rules require riders of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled devices to travel at reasonable speeds, follow traffic signs and signals, yield when required and avoid unsafe behaviors such as riding against traffic or weaving through pedestrians. The city also prohibits electric bicycles on certain recreational trails.
That means a rule that applies in one Orange County community — particularly on sidewalks, trails or in parks — may not necessarily be identical in another.
Families can check with their city or local law enforcement agency for rules that apply where their children ride.
Prevention starts with information
For OCDE, the goal is not to promote or discourage e-bike ownership. It is to make sure students and families have accurate information about the devices they use and understand how to operate them responsibly.
Parents can start by identifying the type of device their child is riding, understanding its speed and capabilities, checking the rules that apply in their community and talking with young riders about helmets, traffic laws and safe riding practices.
“There isn’t one solution to e-bike safety,” Bean said. “It takes education, responsible choices, thoughtful enforcement and communities working together.”
And the larger goal, he said, is simple: helping young people make good decisions and return home safely.