More Orange County city officials are taking a closer look at how to regulate electric bicycles at the local level after public safety concerns that some residents and kids are riding the e-bikes in what they say is an unsafe manner.
It also comes after a couple of recent fatalities involving electric bikes and scooters.
On Sept. 23, a minor riding an electric motorcycle — similar to an e-bike but capable of traveling at higher speeds — was injured in a collision and died from those injuries a few days later, according to the Newport Beach Police Department.
A few days later, two females riding electric scooters were hospitalized after a collision with a box truck, according to the Fullerton Police Department. Both women were later identified as members of the Cal State Fullerton soccer team, and one of the players died from her injuries after spending more than a month in intensive care.
Officials in Irvine and Newport Beach both recently voted to tighten e-bike regulations, cracking down on minors and other residents who choose to ride e-bikes in ways that can be dangerous, including maneuvers like wheelies, excessive speed or missing helmets.
It also comes after similar action from officials in Stanton, Huntington Beach, Yorba Linda, Orange and Buena Park.
[Read: Orange County’s Latest Wave of E-Bike Crackdowns]
Newport Beach Increases Penalties for E-Bikes
City council members in Newport Beach unanimously approved new city regulations that limit riding e-bikes on certain city sidewalks, require helmets for riders under 18 years old and provide additional penalties for violations by minors.
“The main things here that we’re bringing are clarifying our additional enforcement efforts, our additional diversion efforts for people who are riding unsafely,” Councilmember Michelle Barto said during the council’s meeting on Nov. 4. “I’m really appreciative of all the conversations we’ve had with the end result being focused on enforceability.”
Newport Beach’s updated regulations also outline a process for police officers to impound e-bikes.
“I’m especially encouraged by the enhanced penalties and the impoundment, especially in relation to minors and getting their parents involved,” Councilmember Robyn Grant said at the meeting. “I do believe in many ways this is a family issue, making sure that proper precautions are taken when giving a minor an e-bike and allowing them to use it on the streets.”
Mayor Joe Stapleton said he’s also a cyclist and referenced the recent collisions and fatalities as additional reasons why action is needed.
“This is a huge, monumental effort by the entire team — from our first responders, our police, our firefighters, our entire staff,” he said at the meeting. “We had an accident on PCH last week. There was a fatality on Coast Highway in Huntington Beach a couple weeks ago. This is an issue that is near and dear to my heart.”
Councilmember Erik Weigand said the updated regulations are a work in progress.
“I’m hopeful that these changes will change some of the behavior,” he said. “I hope this gives the tools and the keys to the police department to be able to enforce some of that behavior a little bit more. This is kind of a work in progress — we’ll see how this impacts and changes the behaviors.”
Irvine Officials to Study Increased E-Bike Regulation
In Irvine, city council members have initiated a study process to determine the best approach to keep e-bike riders, pedestrians and motorists safe on the streets.
During the council’s meeting on Nov. 12, council members voted unanimously to direct staff to bring back recommendations for the council to discuss how they can regulate e-bikes without overstepping state law.
The discussion was brought forward by Mayor Larry Agran.
“We’re in the midst of a full-blown crisis that is not soon to go away,” he said during the meeting. “I regard this discussion as an opening hearing on the matter. I expect, in the new year, we’ll be holding a number of hearings on this issue because it’s emerging as one of our chief challenges.”
E-bikes outside an Irvine bike store Calif. on Dec. 7, 2022. Credit: AMIR GHANI, Voice of OC
Representatives from the Irvine Police Department said the 13 to 16-year-old age range is involved in about half of all bicycle collisions. Of those collisions, 69% involved an e-bike, officials added.
“Our local efforts, while necessary, can only go so far,” Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent said at the meeting. “The ultimate solution is a comprehensive, state-wide legislative effort that provides us with a clear understanding of e-bike laws, but also provides us with the legal authority to regulate and enforce e-bike violations within our community. In my opinion, this is the way that will provide a sustainable and lasting solution to this very complex matter.”
Earlier this year, local legislators — Assemblymembers Laurid Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) and Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) — each got some of their e-bike bills signed into law, which regulate modifying the speed of the vehicles and require reflectors to be mounted on them.
[Read: Cracking Down E-bikes: Orange County’s Battle for Safer Roads]
Still, Agran agreed with Kent that more state action is necessary.
In the meantime, Agran added, local law enforcement should still up their enforcement efforts.
“My observation is that half or more of the operators of e-bikes, as well as the scooters, don’t wear helmets,” he said. “I’d like to see dramatically stepped up enforcement, citing each and every one of those — making it real clear that we’re determined to protect kids from themselves and their irresponsible parents.”
Kent said city staff should be able to return with recommendations for council consideration in either December or January.
Councilmember Betty Martinez said the city shouldn’t only rely on enforcement and punishment, especially for children who might not know better.
“I think it takes a lot of initiatives and a lot of collaboration — it’s not going to be enforcement only, it’s going to be education, community outreach, collaboration and partnerships,” she said. “It does take a village to make sure a kid grows healthy.”
Angelina Hicks is the Voice of OC Collegiate News Service Editor. Contact her at ahicks@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @angelinahicks13.
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