Orange County Implements E-Bike Buyback Program Amid Rising Concerns

Orange County, California has introduced a new initiative aimed at removing potentially hazardous e-bikes from the streets. The district attorney’s office will host an e-bike buyback program this September. The offer ranges from $200 to $1,000 per bike, hassle-free for participants.

The program mirrors gun buyback initiatives, according to a statement from the district attorney’s office. Todd Spitzer, the Orange County District Attorney, emphasized the serious dangers associated with these vehicles. He stressed the importance of protecting lives through the initiative.

Events promoting safety, such as an e-bike buyback, reflect serious efforts by public agencies and lawmakers to curb the growing number of e-bike incidents. This summer has seen police chases, illegal street gatherings, and fatal crashes. These incidents have resulted in fatalities and numerous emergency room visits for e-bike riders.

While e-bikes are gaining popularity among both adults and children in California, the focus of concern lies primarily with young riders. High-powered electric bicycles and motorcycles, sometimes outpacing police vehicles, raise the greatest alarm.

Government Response

Significant scrutiny has been placed on high-speed e-bikes. Earlier this year, Amazon stopped selling high-speed e-bikes in California following criticism about safety. California law restricts pedal-assisted e-bikes to 28 mph and throttle models to 20 mph. However, some bikes sold exceeded 40 mph.

A UC San Diego study highlighted the rise in crashes and injuries involving e-bikes. The report noted a marked increase in injuries among riders aged 14 or younger. Between 2018 and 2024, e-bike riders experienced over 4,035 collisions. Compared to traditional bicycles, e-bike riders often suffer more severe injuries.

Increased enforcement efforts are underway across the state. For example, the Huntington Beach Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Department held a free e-bike training session in May 2025 at Dwyer Middle School.

Last week, Newport-Mesa Unified School District became California’s first district to limit student use of electric vehicles. Elementary and middle school students cannot use e-bikes, electric scooters, or skateboards on school property. High school students must complete an online course by the California Highway Patrol to use e-bikes on campus.

Los Angeles Department of Transportation is exploring regulatory measures for e-bikes. They have been directed to present recommendations to the City Council in September.

At the state level, Assemblymember Diane Papan introduced AB 2595. This bill allows San Mateo County to enforce age restrictions on e-bike riders under 12 years old. Another bill, AB 2346, introduced by Assemblymembers Marc Berman and Lori D. Wilson, mandates speedometers on e-bikes and limits riders under 16 to 15 mph.

Law Enforcement and Legal Action

Irvine police officer Jason Scheafer related the effectiveness of new laws aimed at dangerous behavior involving e-bikes. While many riders adhere to safety guidelines, severe crashes often involve teenage riders.

Offenders, especially young riders, are generally referred to safety classes instead of receiving citations. However, illegal e-bikes and motorcycles risk impoundment. This approach seeks to prevent fatal incidents.

In May, Orange County established an e-bike and e-motorcycle prosecution unit. The unit reviews potential criminal charges for riders, vehicle owners, and parents. This includes examining charges for parents allowing illegal use of electric vehicles by minors.

One notable case involved an Orange County mother charged with felonies and misdemeanors after her son fatally struck an 81-year-old veteran with an e-motorcycle.

Officer Scheafer stressed increasing parental awareness of state regulations and legal bike usage. California divides e-bikes and e-motorcycles into different classes, impacting who can ride them and at what age.

E-Bike Classifications and Regulations

In California, all e-bike riders under 18 must wear helmets. Riders of any age can use Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, both of which allow a maximum speed of 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach up to 28 mph, are restricted to those 16 and older.

Electric cycles without pedals, featuring throttles, or reaching speeds greater than 28 mph are classified as motorcycles. Such classifications require a minimum age of 16 and a motorcycle license.

The California Attorney General issued a warning regarding bicycles modified to exceed state speed limits. These bikes are not street legal.

Orange County’s buyback event on September 13 will reward the first 75 participants with Los Angeles Angels baseball tickets. Additionally, gas pocket bikes and e-scooters are accepted. Gift card funding comes from asset forfeiture funds.