Orange County, California, is set to enforce new regulations for electric bicycles starting in April 2025, reflecting growing safety concerns amid rapidly increasing e-bike use. According to county supervisor Katrina Foley, e-bike-related accidents have surged by an alarming 500% since 2020, prompting local authorities to introduce stricter rules aimed at curbing dangerous riding behaviors and enhancing public safety.
The new regulations will define clearer speed limits and classifications for e-bikes, particularly distinguishing them from more powerful electric motorcycles. Notably, any two-wheeled electric vehicle producing more than 750 watts of power will fall outside the e-bike category, which aligns with California’s new, more clearly delineated regulations for electric bicycles. Enforcement officials will have clearer guidelines to identify and regulate vehicles appropriately.
Local communities within Orange County have voiced concerns about unsafe e-bike practices, especially on sidewalks and pedestrian-heavy areas. Cities like Cypress are specifically targeting Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, capable of speeds up to 28 mph, due to their higher risk of causing serious accidents involving pedestrians and younger riders. Cypress officials have already taken steps to restrict these faster e-bikes from sidewalks entirely…