California Schools Ban E-Bikes for Young Riders

Newport-Mesa Unified School District, serving Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, has implemented a ban on e-bikes and e-motos for students in kindergarten through eighth grade on all school campuses. This policy, effective at the start of the current calendar year, cites the unique safety risks posed by the speed of these vehicles and the limited experience of younger riders. Students in grades 9-12 are permitted to use e-bikes after completing a mandatory safety training course, but e-motos remain prohibited for all ages.

The district's action aligns with broader concerns across Orange County, where District Attorney Todd Spitzer has highlighted a staggering 430% increase in e-bike injuries over the past four years. Spitzer's office has pursued criminal charges in severe cases, including felony child endangerment after a 12-year-old was involved in a fatal crash while riding a modified electric motorcycle. Enforcement actions include impounding e-bikes found on campus without proper authorization.

Meanwhile, state-level efforts are underway to address e-bike safety. Assembly Bill 1569, which mandates the development of e-bike and e-moto training programs for students in grades 7-12, recently passed the state Assembly and awaits the governor's signature. This legislative action reflects a growing recognition of the need for standardized safety education for young riders.