Home / Health / Orange County Tackles E-Bike Danger with Buyback
Orange County Tackles E-Bike Danger with Buyback
21 Aug
Summary
- E-bikes are the top cause of child ER visits in Orange County.
- E-bike injuries have increased 430% in Southern California.
- Buyback event offers gift cards up to $1,000 for e-bikes.
Orange County is implementing an e-bike and e-motorcycle buyback program to combat a sharp rise in related injuries, particularly among children. The event, scheduled for September 13 at Angel Stadium, aims to reduce accidents and save lives.
District Attorney Todd Spitzer highlighted that e-bikes and e-motorcycles are the primary reason for pediatric emergency room admissions in Orange County. Injuries have seen an alarming 430% increase over the past four years throughout Southern California. The District Attorney's Office has also intensified enforcement, with child endangerment charges filed against four parents and involuntary manslaughter charges against one mother whose son caused a fatal accident.
The buyback accepts store-bought and homemade pocket bikes, offering gift cards from $200 to $1,000 based on vehicle classification. The first 75 participants will also receive Los Angeles Angels game tickets. This proactive approach, including the formation of a dedicated e-bike/e-motorcycle unit, seeks to mitigate the growing risks associated with these vehicles.
