As a high school student at Irvine High School, I have witnessed firsthand the dangers of e-bike accidents among my classmates. Minor incidents are common. I’ve seen friends walk into class late, fresh from the nurse’s office, their arms and legs scraped up with road rash after losing control or getting caught in unexpected traffic. One of the most alarming moments was on my way home from school when I saw a car suddenly swerve to avoid a pair of students on an e-bike who had misjudged the timing to cross. The near miss could have been catastrophic, serving as a daunting reminder of how vulnerable youth riders are on busy streets.

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular in Irvine, providing an eco-friendly and convenient mode of transportation to school and other local areas. The primary users of e-bikes are children and teens. However, some riders are as young as 7 or 8 years old, operating high-speed e-bikes without proper training, supervision, or safety gear. This poses serious risks not only to the young riders themselves but also to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists who share the roads and sidewalks.

In recent years, there has been a significant spike in youth e-bike accidents, with 116 children hospitalized at CHOC in 2024 alone. Irvine is among the top five cities in Orange County for e-bike accidents. Lives can change in an instant—a single collision could alter the trajectory of a child’s future. We must act now to establish progressive e-bike policies to prevent further accidents and injuries.

Background: E-bikes are classified into three categories. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes reach a maximum of 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, making them significantly more dangerous than traditional bicycles. Unlike regular bikes, e-bikes require a deeper understanding of speed control, braking distances, and traffic laws. While California state law mandates a minimum age of 16 for Class 3 e-bikes, there is currently no statewide age restriction for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, leaving younger riders vulnerable to potential harm.

While IUSD has a mandatory e-vehicle safety and registration program for middle and high school students, this program does not apply to younger children who are not yet enrolled in middle school. Furthermore, education alone cannot replace the necessity of age-appropriate restrictions. Even with training, younger children may lack the physical coordination, decision-making skills, and awareness needed to navigate traffic safely. Without a minimum age requirement, there remains a heightened risk of injury for children who may not fully grasp the dangers associated with high-speed e-bike operations.

Who is Affected and How: This issue primarily affects children, who are at the highest risk of injury due to their lack of experience and judgment when operating an e-bike. It also impacts drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, who face increased dangers from young, untrained e-bike riders navigating streets and sidewalks unpredictably. Parents are also affected, as many are unaware of the risks associated with allowing their children to ride an e-bike without proper knowledge and safety precautions.

What We’re Calling For: We urge the Irvine City Council to pass a local ordinance establishing a minimum age requirement of 12 years old for riding Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. This policy would align with traditional bicycle safety regulations while ensuring that young riders are mature enough to understand basic traffic laws and road safety. 

Implementing an age limit is a crucial first step toward broader safety policies at the city level and, eventually, across California. By setting a precedent in Irvine, we can encourage surrounding cities to adopt similar regulations, creating a ripple effect that strengthens road safety standards statewide. As more communities recognize the importance of responsible e-bike use, this initiative could pave the way for comprehensive policies addressing rider education and speed restrictions.

Please sign and share this petition with friends, family, and neighbors to support the implementation of an age limit for e-bike riders under 12 in Irvine, California. By signing, you are advocating for a safer community for children, pedestrians, and all road users! 

Other info about e-bike injuries around the Orange County Community:

E-bike injuries are more widespread in Orange County, no longer just a coastal problem, doctors say

E-Bike Accidents are on the Rise in Irvine

E-bike crashes continue to increase in the City