In Orange County, authorities are expanding efforts to remove potentially dangerous items from circulation with a new e-bike buyback program. Scheduled for September, the Orange County district attorney’s office will offer $200 to $1,000 for each e-bike, with no questions asked. This initiative mirrors the gun buyback programs led by police departments.
According to Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, e-bikes require serious consideration due to their potential dangers. “These vehicles are not child’s play, and the consequences are incredibly dangerous and increasingly deadly,” said Spitzer. The campaign slogan, “Buy back safety,” highlights ongoing efforts to address the rising incidents involving e-bikes in California.
Recent months have shown an alarming increase in police pursuits, street takeovers, and fatal crashes linked to e-bikes. The bikes have gained popularity among adults and children, with particular concern about young riders on high-powered electric bicycles and motorcycles.
These high-speed bikes can sometimes exceed police pursuit capabilities. Earlier this year, Amazon agreed to stop selling high-speed e-bikes in California. State laws regulate pedal-assisted e-bikes to 28 mph and throttle models to 20 mph, but some bikes sold could exceed 40 mph.
Research from UC San Diego indicates a surge in e-bike-related crashes and injuries. From 2018 to 2024, at least 4,035 collisions involved e-bike riders, with those 14 and younger often affected. E-bike injuries typically prove more severe than those from traditional bicycling.
The rise in incidents has prompted official responses. For example, the Huntington Beach Police Department held an e-bike training session in May 2025. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District banned electric vehicles for some students, requiring high school students to take a California Highway Patrol course.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation is exploring e-bike regulations too. On the state level, Assemblymember Diane Papan’s AB 2595 aims to allow age restrictions in certain counties, while AB 2346 would enforce speedometer use and limit speed for riders under 16.
Irvine police officer Jason Scheafer emphasizes the importance of educating e-bike riders. While many follow the law, serious crashes still involve young teens unfamiliar with road rules.
Scheafer notes that young offenders are referred to safety classes, whereas illegal e-bike riders might lose their bikes. The recent Orange County initiatives aim to prevent tragic events, referencing deadly crashes in areas like Lake Forest and Garden Grove.
The newly established e-bike and e-motorcycle prosecution unit reviews charges against individuals linked to electric vehicle incidents. A recent case involved a mother charged for her son’s deadly e-motorcycle crash.
California classifies e-bikes into categories with rules on age and speed. Helmets are mandatory for those under 18. Class 1 bikes use pedal assist up to 20 mph, while Class 2 allows throttles, also limited to 20 mph. Class 3 bikes, for those 16 and up, reach 28 mph. Bikes surpassing state limits face the motorcycle category, requiring a license and a minimum age of 16.
The Attorney General cautions parents and sellers about bikes altered beyond legal specifications, aiming to prevent harm. The e-bike buyback event on September 13 will include gas pocket bikes and e-scooters. The first 75 returns earn Los Angeles Angels tickets, with gift cards financed through asset forfeiture funds.