Orange County is initiating an e-bike buyback program this September, taking a leaf from established gun buyback initiatives to address growing concerns over electric bicycle incidents. The Orange County district attorney’s office will offer $200 to $1,000 for each e-bike, with no questions asked. Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer stated that these vehicles are not child’s play, and their consequences are incredibly dangerous and increasingly deadly.
This reflects a broader trend of stringent measures across California to curb e-bike crashes. A UC San Diego study found over 4,000 e-bike collisions between 2018 and 2024, many involving riders 14 or younger, often sustaining more severe injuries. Powerful electric bikes are a particular concern, prompting Amazon to stop selling high-speed e-bikes in California that exceeded state legal limits.
New rules are being implemented by local and state agencies. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District banned e-bikes for elementary and middle school students on school property, requiring high schoolers to complete a California Highway Patrol course. In Los Angeles, the Department of Transportation is developing e-bike regulations for City Council consideration. State lawmakers are introducing bills to allow age restrictions and mandate safety features like speedometers, along with speed limits for younger riders.
Irvine police officer Jason Scheafer, involved in e-bike enforcement, noted that serious crashes still involve young teen riders who often lack driver’s education. His department frequently refers young offenders to safety classes, though impoundment is an option for illegal e-bikes. "We’re just trying to keep kids from crashing into things and getting hurt," Scheafer said.
The Orange County District Attorney’s office formed an e-bike and e-motorcycle prosecution unit in May, reviewing potential criminal charges for incidents involving minors, adults, and parents. That same month, a mother was arrested and charged with felonies, including involuntary manslaughter, after her 14-year-old son allegedly caused a fatal collision while riding an e-motorcycle.
California law classifies e-bikes and mandates helmets for riders under 18. Speed and pedal-assist capabilities determine classification, with more powerful bikes restricted by age and requiring licenses if considered electric motorcycles. The California Attorney General warns that altered bikes exceeding state limitations are not legal on streets.
The Orange County e-bike buyback will be on September 13. The first 75 participants will receive two Los Angeles Angels baseball tickets. Gift cards for the program are funded through asset forfeiture.
