E-bike Safety Symposium Attracts Over 200 Attendees in Huntington Beach
New Initiative Launched to Address Dangers of E-Bikes and E-Motorcycles in Orange County
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has unveiled a new unit aimed at tackling the illegal use of E-bikes and E-motorcycles. This announcement coincides with rising concerns about safety, particularly among younger riders.
On Wednesday, over 200 attendees gathered in Huntington Beach for a safety symposium focused on the perils associated with these electric vehicles, especially when operated by teenage drivers. The event featured poignant accounts from parents who have lost children in E-bike-related accidents, alongside insights from law enforcement officials who respond to such emergencies. The primary objectives were to share experiences, elevate public awareness regarding safety risks, and brainstorm potential solutions to improve road safety.
Huntington Beach Police Department Sergeant Mike Thomas expressed concerns about the vehicles, stating, "The ones we are seeing out on the roadways – they have pegs on them and they look like dirt bikes, and that’s really what they are. They’re heavy duty, they’re 150-plus pounds."
The speed and power of these E-motorcycles have raised significant alarm. Many attract inexperienced young drivers who may lack the necessary skills to operate them safely. Some models can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, making the stakes particularly high.
California law mandates that all E-bike riders under 18 must wear helmets. Additionally, riders must be at least 16 years old and possess a motorcycle license. Despite these regulations, tragic incidents continue to occur involving underage operators. For instance, a 14-year-old boy was in a fatal collision with an 81-year-old man in Lake Forest last month. A 13-year-old boy also died after crashing his E-motorcycle in Garden Grove last week.
Duke and Val Aipa, parents who spoke at the symposium, recounted the heartbreaking loss of their son, Kolby, who died last summer in Huntington Beach after losing control of his E-bike. "I relive being in the hospital, hugging his body,” Duke Aipa tearfully shared. “Kolby’s death can’t be for nothing. It has to mean something and if it can save another family from experiencing what we’ve gone through, I’ll do whatever it takes.”
This symposium follows the District Attorney’s latest announcement regarding the establishment of a dedicated unit targeting illicit E-motorcycle and E-bike usage. Concurrently, the Huntington Beach Police Department is collaborating with local schools to potentially implement a mandatory safety course for students.
Law enforcement officials are committed to warning the public about the dangers associated with these vehicles. Sergeant Thomas emphasized the need for responsible parenting, stating, “It’s the same thing; You wouldn’t hand the keys to your car to your 14-year-old. You are going to want to make sure you have a driver’s license. Parents that are doing this are being irresponsible. The test is speed. If you go beyond 30 mph, you already know it’s not a legal device.”
