Orange County is launching a buyback initiative to tackle growing concerns over e-bikes. This event draws an analogy with established gun buyback programs across the country. In September, the district attorney’s office will host an e-bike buyback, offering between $200 and $1,000 per unit, without demanding any questions from sellers.
The goal of this initiative is to enhance public safety. Todd Spitzer, the Orange County District Attorney, stressed the dangers of these vehicles in a statement, emphasizing their potential to cause harm. The buyback initiative highlights the urgent steps public agencies and lawmakers in California are taking to curb rising e-bike incidents.
This summer alone saw numerous police chases, street takeovers, and fatal crashes involving e-bikes, affecting pedestrians and leading to numerous hospitalizations.
E-bikes have gained popularity among both adults and children in California. However, authorities are particularly cautious about young riders on high-powered electric bicycles and motorcycles that can outpace police vehicles.
Amazon ceased sales of high-speed e-bikes in California under state pressure.
State restrictions cap pedal-assisted e-bikes at 28 mph and throttle models at 20 mph. Nonetheless, higher-speed versions had been available through Amazon, despite their risks.
A University of California, San Diego study highlights the rapid increase in e-bike crash rates, with many victims aged 14 or younger. Between 2018 and 2024, e-bike riders were involved in over 4,035 incidents. Moreover, e-bike injuries tend to be more severe compared to traditional bike accidents.
Statewide responses include initiatives from the Huntington Beach Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which organized free e-bike training at Dwyer Middle School in May 2025. New regulations also came into effect at the Newport-Mesa Unified School District. They banned elementary and middle school use of electric vehicles on campus grounds, restricting e-bikes to high schoolers with permits and online course completion.
In Los Angeles, the Department of Transportation is exploring new e-bike regulations and will present recommendations to the City Council’s Rules Committee.
On a broader legislative level, lawmakers introduced AB 2595 and AB 2346. These bills aim to impose age restrictions and speed limits on young riders.
We strive to prevent tragedies like the ones in Lake Forest and Garden Grove.
Officer Jason Scheafer from Irvine highlighted e-bike education and enforcement efforts in the region. He noted most riders follow rules, but younger participants often lack proper road training. In response, the department prioritizes e-bike safety classes over citations, reserving vehicle impoundment for serious infractions.
Orange County prosecutors launched an e-bike and e-motorcycle prosecution unit to evaluate criminal charges related to illegal use. This unit has scrutinized cases involving adults who allow minors to ride illegal e-bikes. One case involved a 14-year-old who fatally struck a veteran, leading to felony charges against the boy’s mother.
Educational efforts are pivotal, and officer Scheafer praised the role of parents in complying with e-bike regulations. He noted the importance of recognizing legal bike types and enforcing helmet use for riders under 18. Classifications guide legal use, ensuring appropriate usage.
The district attorney’s office announced the e-bike buyback event scheduled for September 13. Participants, including those turning in gas pocket bikes or e-scooters, may receive gift cards funded by asset forfeiture. The first 75 will also get Los Angeles Angels tickets.
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