E-Bike Safety: Essential Tips and Local Resources

Key Takeaways:

E-bike accidents among young riders are rising fast in California

• Injuries increased 18-fold from 2018 to 2023, with teens making up nearly 40% of victims.

E-bike safety education and training programs are essential

• Learning traffic laws, proper handling, and helmet use can dramatically cut accident risks.

California cities now offer safety classes, lending libraries, and e-bike friendly trails

• Form Los Angeles to San Francisco to many other cities throughout California, young riders can access resources to ride smarter and safer.

E-Bike Safety for Young Riders

E-bikes are everywhere in California – from school drop-offs in Irvine to weekend rides along the American River in Sacramento. Teens and young adults especially love them for the speed, freedom, and low cost of getting around. But with that boom has come a rise in injuries, and many families aren’t sure what the rules are, where to learn safe riding skills, or which paths actually allow e-bikes.

This guide pulls together the essentials, exploring why e-bike education matters and highlighting resources in California – including safety classes, youth programs, e-bike lending libraries, and great local trails – across several major cities. It also explains how an e-bike accident lawyer can help your claim if you’re ever involved in a crash. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or Fresno, we’ve got tips for you. Read on to help the young rider in your life ride smarter, safer, and with a lot more confidence.

Why E-Bikes Are Everywhere – and Why Safety Matters

Electric bicycles have surged in popularity among teens and young adults in California, becoming common for school commutes and weekend rides. However, this rise has led to an 18 times increase in e-bike injuries from 2018 to 2023, with younger riders particularly at risk. E bike accident victims often suffer injuries similar to traditional cyclists but sometimes more severe due to higher top speeds and heavier weight.

Lithium ion battery fires are an increasing safety concern. Factors like the bike’s weight, frame, brakes, tires, and handlebar design influence injury risk. E-bikes are classified by class (such as class 2), with varying top speeds, ranges, and motor assistance, making safety features and proper control essential—especially for children. Choosing the right model for young riders is crucial.

In some areas, like parts of Los Angeles and Orange County, e-bike injuries have spiked dramatically, with 35%–40% of victims under 18. For example, in Marin County, 71% of bike accident 911 calls involving 10–19 year-olds were e-bike related. Education and safety training are key to reducing accidents, as many crashes stem from lack of awareness rather than reckless riding. Teaching teens traffic laws and safe handling can significantly lower risks.

To learn more about different e-bike safety measures, which cities are safest for e-bikes and e-scooters, and how you can prevent e-bike accidents, read more on our Back-to-School Essentials blog.

Why E-Bike Safety Education Matters

Learning to ride a bicycle is a childhood milestone, but electric bikes are different. E-bikes can travel 20–28 mph, weigh more due to batteries, and share roads with cars, increasing injury risk for young riders. California hospitals report e-bike crashes often cause serious injuries like concussions and broken bones, many of which are preventable with proper precautions.

Young riders should understand their e-bike’s assistance levels, motor operation, and safety features. Key factors for safe riding include the electric motor, pedals, frame, brakes, tires, handlebar, and weight. Knowing the bike’s range, top speed, and class (such as class 2) helps ensure it’s suitable. Carrying passengers or cargo should be done only on bikes designed for it. Choosing the right model and proper fit – such as being able to touch the ground and having knee clearance – builds confidence and safety. E-bikes are environmentally friendly, and modern safety gear is lighter and more comfortable. Battery safety is critical since lithium ion batteries can pose fire risks if mishandled. As vehicles, e-bike riders must follow legal requirements.

Education is key. Learning road rules, practicing handling, and understanding bike capabilities can dramatically reduce risks. Wearing a helmet can cut head injury risk by over 50%, yet many teens skip it. Safety courses teach defensive riding, emergency braking, and traffic navigation – skills often missing in young e-bike riders. Confidence and safety improve with education.

Fortunately, California offers free or low-cost e-bike safety programs for youth. Below, we highlight resources by region, covering safety info, learning courses, lending programs, and safe trails to help young riders ride smarter and safer.

Let’s find out what’s happening near you!

Los Angeles

E-Bike Safety Information

Los Angeles follows California state law: riders under 18 must wear helmets, and those under 16 cannot operate Class 3 e-bikes. E-bikes are allowed in bike lanes and on roads but prohibited on sidewalks in business districts. With over 88% of e-bike crashes involving cars, riders should practice defensive riding, obey traffic laws, and stay alert. The city is improving bike infrastructure to enhance safety while providing helpful educational tools to teach young riders, such as Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs.

E-Bike Learning Courses

BikeLA offers free bicycle safety classes covering urban riding skills and bike maintenance, suitable for young e-bikers. Community events like bike rodeos and school workshops provide helmet fittings and road safety lessons.

E-Bike Lending Programs

Programs like “South Central Power Up” provide free e-bike lending and rentals to low-income residents and teens. Metro Bike Share through CicLAvia offers electric bikes for rent in downtown LA, and local bike shops often loan or rent e-bikes to teens with parental consent.

Trails and Paths

Despite its reputation for freeways, Los Angeles offers excellent bike paths where Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed (Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 28 mph, are generally restricted from off-street paths). Notable routes for young riders include:

• Santa Monica Beach Bike Path (Marvin Braude Trail) – A scenic 22-mile paved path along the Pacific coast, permitting Class 1 and 2 e-bikes with a 15 mph speed limit. Popular among teens for rides to Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. E-scooters are not allowed here.

• Los Angeles River Bike Path – A flat, off-street paved path stretching from Burbank through Elysian Valley, ideal for young riders to practice road awareness. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted.

• Pacific Electric Bike Trail – A 21-mile rails-to-trails path from Claremont to Rialto, allowing Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. It passes through several suburbs with mountain views and includes multiple signalized street crossings.

Other notable paths include the 7-mile Ballona Creek Path and the 12-mile Coyote Creek Bikeway. E-bikes are also welcome on many on-street bike lanes throughout LA. Always observe local signage and ride safely to enjoy the city’s bike-friendly options.

Orange County

E-Bike Safety Information

Orange County’s e-bike scene is booming, prompting new safety laws in April 2025, especially in commuting cities like Irvine. The county adopted California’s Class 1, 2, and 3 system, banning two-wheeled vehicles over 750 watts or 28 mph from bike paths. Riders under 16 cannot use Class 3 e-bikes; some cities restrict kids under 12 from public e-bike use. Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18 and all Class 3 users. Speed limits, including “slow zones” like Huntington Beach’s 10 mph limit, are enforced. Sidewalk riding and carrying passengers on bikes not designed for it are prohibited. These rules aim to reduce accidents and promote safety, with fines for violations.

E-Bike Learning Courses

Orange County leads in e-bike education for youth, with programs like Huntington Beach’s free police-led safety course teaching riding skills and road rules. The Orange County Transportation Authority and local groups offer workshops, while schools host bike rodeos and events to promote safe habits.

E-Bike Lending Programs

Formal e-bike lending libraries are rare, but nearby Long Beach offers a free lending library prioritizing low-income users. Santa Ana is exploring a loaner program, and initiatives like Clean Cars 4 All provide purchase vouchers. Local bike shops rent e-bikes to teens with parental consent, increasing access for those without personal bikes.

Trails and Paths

Orange County offers a variety of popular, e-bike-friendly trails perfect for young riders. Highlights include:

• Mountains to Sea Trail (Irvine): A mostly flat, scenic route from the Santa Ana Mountains to the ocean, featuring dedicated Class I bikeways where Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted. Natural-surface trails prohibit e-bikes, but paved paths are ideal for younger riders.

• Santa Ana River Trail (OC section): A 30-mile paved path running through several cities to Huntington Beach, allowing Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. The trail can be busy on weekends, so riders should be courteous and observe the 10 mph speed limit on the boardwalk.

• Hicks Canyon/Peters Canyon Trails: Shorter paved paths within Irvine popular among local students for safe, traffic-free commuting.

• Huntington Beach Ocean Path: Beachfront path with a 10 mph speed limit for e-bikes due to crowds; a great spot for a relaxed ride by the ocean.

• Coyote Creek Bikeway: A 12-mile off-street trail on the OC-LA border permitting Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, connecting to other regional trails.

Overall, Orange County’s mix of beachside, creekside, and suburban trails, combined with good weather, makes it an excellent area for young e-bike riders. Riders should always follow posted rules and respect other trail users.

San Bernardino

E-Bike Safety Information

In San Bernardino, safety efforts are led by law enforcement and community groups. The San Bernardino Police Department promotes traffic law compliance and helmet use, especially for youth riding faster Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Some cities like Redlands enforce 15 mph speed limits and restrict e-bikes on narrow trails. Public messaging emphasizes riding sober, yielding to pedestrians, and avoiding sidewalks.

E-Bike Learning Courses

Formal e-bike training is limited but growing. Schools in Rancho Cucamonga host safety assemblies, while local cycling groups include e-bike tips in rides. The City of San Bernardino offers bicycle rodeos with e-bike demos. Nearby Rancho Santa Margarita’s comprehensive safety initiative serves as a model for the region. Informal education happens through bike shops and community groups.

E-Bike Lending Programs

San Bernardino lacks major public lending libraries but benefits from nonprofit and private initiatives. The Inland Empire Biking Alliance runs a small loaner fleet for outreach, and some groups lend e-bikes to college students. State incentive programs offer purchase vouchers, and local rebates reduce costs. Bike shops provide rentals and occasional demo events, with more lending programs expected in the future.

Trails and Paths

San Bernardino County offers extensive paved trails where Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are welcome, providing excellent opportunities for young riders to enjoy safe and scenic rides. These trails connect communities and offer a variety of experiences, from urban greenways to mountain paths suited for e-MTBs. Here are some key routes to explore:

• Pacific Electric Trail (PET): A 21-mile paved multi-use path running through Rialto, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland. This Class I bikeway explicitly permits Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, making it popular among families and commuters who use e-cruisers and e-mountain bikes for exercise or transit.

• Santa Ana River Trail: When completed, this trail will stretch from the mountains to the ocean. In San Bernardino County, sections near Redlands and Highland allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, following state guidelines unless otherwise posted.

• Local Park Trails (Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead): Certain fire roads and trails accommodate Class 1 e-MTBs, offering off-road riding experiences in mountain settings.

• Pacific Electric and Empire Trails: City greenbelt trails that welcome pedal-assist e-bikes, ideal for cruising with ease.

Always check local ordinances, as some cities like Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga enforce rules requiring responsible riding, such as no speeding and yielding to others. With ongoing development of new greenway trails in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino County continues to enhance its network of e-bike-friendly paths, supporting safe, car-free travel across the valley.

San Francisco

Safety information:

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission notes that e‑bikes do not require a license or registration. Riders under 18 must wear helmets, and riding on sidewalks is prohibited. San Francisco’s Vision Zero and SFMTA outreach remind e‑bikers to keep speeds low in crowded areas and obey all traffic laws; Class 3 e‑bikes are restricted to on‑street bike lanes. National Park Services have also announced additional electric bike rules.

Learning courses:

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition offers a free “Introduction to E‑Bikes” class (part of the SFMTA Bicycle Safety Education program). The class teaches how to choose an e‑bike, differences from regular bikes, battery charging, and maintenance. The CHP’s statewide online e‑bike safety course is promoted locally; participants can get a completion certificate to show insurers or schools.

Lending programs:

Electrify My Ride (SFPUC) gives eligible low‑income CleanPowerSF/Hetch Hetchy customers a $1,000 coupon toward a new e‑bike. All vouchers for 2024–2025 were claimed quickly, but future rounds may open.
Bay Wheels bike‑share (operated by Lyft/SFMTA) offers electric‑assist bikes at docks city‑wide; low‑income residents can apply for discounted memberships.

Trails and Paths

San Francisco offers a welcoming environment for e-bike riders with many car-free paths and park trails where Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed. While Class 3 e-bikes (which can reach speeds of 28 mph) are restricted to on-street bike lanes and roads, the city provides plenty of scenic and safe routes for younger riders to enjoy. Here are some popular trails and paths for e-bike enthusiasts in San Francisco:

• Embarcadero Promenade: A multi-use path along the waterfront, perfect for leisurely rides with views of the bay.

• Golden Gate Park Bikeways: Extensive bike-friendly roads and paths where Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted; ideal for exploring the park’s natural beauty.

• San Francisco Bay Trail: A paved trail along the waterfront offering scenic views and safe riding conditions.

• Marina Green and Lands End Trails: Popular regional trails that allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, with a 15 mph speed limit and park-specific rules to follow.

• Crissy Field: A mixed-use path where riders should yield to pedestrians and use low pedal assist in crowded areas.

With these options, San Francisco combines stunning scenery and e-bike-friendly infrastructure, making it an excellent city for responsible and enjoyable e-bike riding.

San Diego

E-Bike Safety Information

The city of San Diego has seen a surge in teen e-bike use, prompting safety campaigns and stricter enforcement after fatal crashes. Local authorities emphasize helmet use for riders under 18 and restrict Class 3 e-bikes for those under 16. Speed-related crashes are common, so riders are urged to slow down and ride defensively, especially in busy areas.

E-Bike Learning Courses

The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition offers free “All About E-Bikes” safety seminars both online and in person, covering riding rules, safety tips, and basic maintenance. Schools and health programs also provide targeted classes for teens, including hands-on skills clinics and helmet fittings. SANDAG offers free bike classes to K-12 schools and youth organizations in the San Diego region. The City of Vista offers e-bike safety training and rebate program for local residents. Law enforcement sometimes offers safety classes as alternatives to fines for minor infractions, promoting education over punishment. EZE Ryders provide electric bike safety classes in San Diego, whether you’re a beginner or experienced rider.

E-Bike Lending Programs

San Diego’s Pedal Ahead program provides a “loan-to-own” option for eligible users, including some older teens, allowing them to earn an e-bike by logging rides. While no formal public e-bike lending library exists yet, dockless e-bike rentals via Lyft’s Bay Wheels and local rental shops offer access. Low-income residents can benefit from upcoming state voucher programs to reduce purchase costs.

Trails and Paths

San Diego offers year-round great weather and many scenic, safe routes for young e-bike riders to enjoy:

• Bayshore Bikeway – A 24-mile loop around San Diego Bay featuring mostly off-road bike paths and bike lanes. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on the dedicated paths. The route offers beautiful bay and ocean views, passing Navy ships, marinas, and a wildlife refuge. Families and teens often enjoy this mostly flat ride, with the option to shorten it by taking the ferry from Coronado to downtown.

• Mission Bay Park Paths – About 12 miles of paved multi-use paths around Mission Bay where Class 1 e-bikes are permitted. The ocean boardwalk prohibits e-bikes, so stick to bay-side paths and bike lanes. This area is ideal for leisurely rides with playgrounds and picnic spots along the way.

• Balboa Park – Most paved roads and paths allow e-bikes, with Class 1 pedal-assist recommended on pedestrian-heavy promenades. The park offers a car-free environment for practicing riding skills amid museums and gardens. Class 3 e-bikes and throttle use are restricted on park paths.

• Tijuana River Valley & Strand – Flat paved and dirt trails near the border where Class 1 e-bikes are allowed. The Silver Strand Bikeway connects Imperial Beach to Coronado and is fully paved with ocean and bay views.

• North County Rail Trail – Includes the Coastal Rail Trail and San Luis Rey River Trail, offering quiet, car-free rides on paved paths popular with cyclists of all ages.

Overall, San Diego’s beaches, bays, and river trails provide excellent options for young e-bike riders. Always check local signage, yield to pedestrians, and ride courteously to enjoy the area safely.

Long Beach

E-Bike Safety Information

Long Beach follows California’s e-bike laws and recently allowed e-bikes on the Shoreline Bike Path under a pilot program with a 15 mph speed limit. The city enforces helmet use for riders under 18 and discourages sidewalk riding in business districts. Safety campaigns focus on educating both riders and drivers, with police emphasizing lights at night and courteous riding.

E-Bike Learning Courses

Long Beach hosts bike safety rodeos and events at schools, including e-bike awareness. Community organizations and city programs offer workshops on helmet fitting, hand signals, and basic bike maintenance. While no dedicated e-bike classes for teens exist yet, numerous resources support safe riding education.

E-Bike Lending Programs

Long Beach is launching an e-bike lending library offering free checkouts for up to three months, prioritizing low-income residents. The program includes various e-bike types and safety gear. Bike Share and state incentive programs also provide affordable access to e-bikes for youth and adults.

Trails and Paths

Long Beach offers some of the best coastal riding in Southern California, ideal for e-bikes. Key routes include:

• Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path – A flat, wide 4-mile path from Shoreline Village to Belmont Shore, open to Class 1 and 2 e-bikes under a pilot program with a 15 mph speed limit. Enjoy ocean views and a car-free ride, but be prepared to yield to pedestrians on busy days.

• Los Angeles River Path (Downtown LB segment) – A 9-mile bike path along the LA River channel from downtown to Compton, suitable for e-bikes. It’s less scenic in parts but offers a safe, off-street route popular with local cyclists.

• El Dorado Park and San Gabriel River Trail – Connected bike paths totaling 28 miles along the San Gabriel River, open to Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. The trail features parks and wildlife areas, offering a safe and continuous ride with few street crossings.

• Heartwell Park Bike Path – A 2.5-mile leisurely path within Heartwell Park, perfect for practicing bike handling at low speeds.

Long Beach’s network of bike lanes, like the Vista Street bike boulevard and Bixby Knolls area, creates calm, bike-friendly routes throughout the city. The OC Beach Trail extends from Long Beach’s Shoreline Path into Orange County beaches, offering further exploration. Always lock your e-bike when stopping, as theft can occur. Enjoy the ride!

Fresno

E-Bike Safety Information

Fresno follows California’s e-bike laws with helmet requirements and Class 3 restrictions for under-16 riders. Police actively educate about safe riding and enforce traffic laws, warning against illegal high-power motorbikes. The city is expanding bike infrastructure and advises riders to stay visible and hydrated in the hot climate.

E-Bike Learning Courses

Though formal e-bike classes are limited, Fresno County Bicycle Coalition and local bike shops offer youth safety workshops and rodeos. Fresno State University and local police provide some safety education, while AAA hosts virtual cycling and e-bike safety sessions. Practice and mentorship opportunities also exist through local cycling clubs.

E-Bike Lending Programs

Fresno lacks a formal e-bike lending library but offers rentals through bike shops and incentives like California’s E-Bike Incentive Project and Clean Cars 4 All. Past bike-share programs may return with more e-bikes, and informal community lending exists. Friends and family can also be sources for borrowing e-bikes.

Trails and Paths

Fresno offers several great bike paths and trails ideal for e-bikes, along with quieter canal roads popular among riders. Key spots include:

• Fresno-Clovis Rail Trail (Old Town Trail) – A 6.5-mile paved Class I bikeway from Fresno near Fashion Fair Mall to Old Town Clovis, popular with families and students. It’s a safe, car-free route with lighting and call boxes. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted.

• Lewis S. Eaton Trail (San Joaquin River Parkway) – A scenic 7-mile paved path along the San Joaquin River bluffs near Woodward Park, suitable for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. The trail features gentle hills and occasional equestrians.

• Herndon Canal Path and Canal Routes – Maintenance roads along irrigation canals offer dirt and gravel paths for hybrid or mountain-style e-bikes. These multi-use paths require caution at road crossings.

• Tower District to Downtown – New bike lanes connect these urban areas, making for a practical e-bike commute through Fresno’s city streets.

• Woodward Park BMX Track & Trails – Off-road trails and a BMX pump track where Class 1 e-mountain bikes can be ridden with discretion, yielding to pedestrians and traditional riders.

Though Fresno lacks coastal trails, its bike paths are enjoyable, generally uncrowded, and showcase diverse city landscapes—perfect for charging up your e-bike and exploring safely.

Sacramento

E-Bike Safety Information

Sacramento has seen a surge in e-bike use, especially among students, with adherence to California’s e-bike laws including helmet requirements for riders under 18 and Class 3 restrictions for those under 16. The city emphasizes safety through Vision Zero initiatives, enforcing speed limits on protected bikeways, and encouraging riders to follow traffic rules and be visible. E-bikes are allowed on many bike trails like the American River Parkway (Class 1 and 2), with rangers enforcing courtesy and speed.

E-Bike Learning Courses

Local organizations like Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates offer bike rodeos and safety classes that teach essential riding skills applicable to e-bikes. The City of Sacramento and California Highway Patrol provide free online and in-person courses covering urban biking, traffic laws, and e-bike operation. Group rides such as Kidical Mass also help young riders gain experience in traffic.

E-Bike Lending Programs

Though Sacramento lacks a public e-bike lending library, programs like SMUD’s internal lending and UC Davis’s informal student lending exist. The city offers bike-share services with companies like Lime and Spin, providing short-term e-bike rentals. The Sacramento library allows you to use your library card to check out an e-trike or e-bike at various locations. Subsidized purchase programs and potential future lending initiatives may increase access.

Trails and Paths

Sacramento offers an excellent bike trail network perfect for young e-bike riders to explore safely and enjoyably:

• American River Parkway (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) – A 32-mile paved trail from Old Sacramento to Folsom Lake, ideal for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Mostly flat with scenic views, it features multiple access points and a recommended speed limit of 15 mph.

• Sacramento River Parkway – A developing levee-top trail along the Sacramento River, offering a protected, paved path for e-bikes with beautiful river views.

• Two Rivers Trail – A newer paved trail paralleling the American River, providing an alternate route and future loop options, suitable for e-bikes.

• UC Davis Arboretum and Davis Bike Loop – Just outside Sacramento, Davis is a bike-friendly town with a 12-mile bike loop and scenic paths where e-bikes are welcome.

• Folsom South Canal – A flat, 20-mile aqueduct path ideal for longer rides, generally permitting Class 1 e-bikes; check local rules before riding.

Within the city, protected bike lanes in Midtown and Downtown make urban e-bike riding safer. Sacramento’s well-maintained trails offer young riders a mix of adventure and independence, with plenty of fellow cyclists for safety and support. Always respect trail rules and ride responsibly to enjoy the best of Sacramento’s biking experience.

California Statewide Resources

We’ve toured through specific cities, but it’s worth noting a few statewide resources that apply no matter where you are in California:

• CHP’s Online E-Bike Safety Program – As mentioned, California Highway Patrol now provides a free online training covering e-bike rules and safety. It’s easy to access and a great overview for new riders or parents (find it through CHP or OTS websites). Completing it even gives you a certificate.

• PeopleForBikes “Ride Spot” and Courses – PeopleForBikes (a national bike org) and the League of American Bicyclists created the “E-Bike Smart” online course. Additionally, the Ride Spot app can help you find safe routes in your city that other cyclists recommend – useful when planning a commute to school.

• California E-Bike Incentive Project – Launching state-wide, offering up to $1,000 vouchers for e-bikes (more for cargo or adaptive bikes) for eligible Californians. This program also requires recipients to watch a short e-bike safety video – reinforcing how important education is to the state. Keep an eye on out for application info if your family might qualify.

• AAA E-Bike Safety – AAA has developed an e-bike course with teen safety in mind. The on-demand course is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. This online course covers various aspects of e-bikes, including bike classifications and safety tips. Teens can take this 1-hour course on any smart device, any time, and feel confident in responsibly operating an e-bike.

• State Parks Policy – As a general rule, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on trails in California State Parks wherever traditional bikes are allowed, unless a park superintendent specifically prohibits them. So if you’re camping or visiting a state park, you can likely ride your e-bike on paved bike paths and many dirt fire roads. (Just not on narrow hiking-only trails).

And lastly, a topic we hope you never need but should understand: what to do if you’re involved in an e-bike-related accident, and how a personal injury attorney can help.

Why Legal Counsel is Important After an E-Bike Accident

E-bike crashes can be scary and confusing, especially for young riders and their parents. You might be dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and questions of liability such as whether a car driver was at fault, if the e-bike was defective, or if road conditions contributed. This is where consulting a personal injury attorney experienced in e-bike cases can be invaluable.

A good attorney will review your claim and explain your rights. While e-bike accidents often fall under similar laws as bicycle accidents, there are nuances to consider—such as whether an e-bike’s higher speed was a factor or if local e-bike rules (like age limits or helmet use) apply. An attorney can interpret these details and thoroughly investigate the accident by:

• Gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage

• Speaking to witnesses

• Reconstructing the incident

Determining liability is a key part of this process. For example, an RMD Law attorney might find that a car driver was texting and failed to yield, or that a dangerous road design contributed to the crash. These findings affect who should compensate you.

Handling insurance companies is another critical role of your lawyer. Insurance adjusters might try to blame a young cyclist or minimize the seriousness of an e-bike injury. Your attorney will advocate for you, ensuring all your damages are accounted for, including:

• Medical bills and physical therapy

• Lost school time or work

• Pain and suffering

• Future care needs, often with input from medical experts

• Emotional distress, such as fear of riding again

Navigating California’s specific laws is another reason to have legal counsel. The state has rules like comparative negligence, which can reduce recovery if you were partly at fault, but an attorney can often secure a proportionate settlement. New e-bike regulations, such as those in Orange County or local ordinances, may also factor into your case.

In tragic cases involving serious injury or death, legal expertise becomes even more critical. An attorney can:

• File appropriate claims or lawsuits

• Manage the complex legal process during difficult times

If you’re a minor, your parent or guardian will work with the attorney on your behalf. Many firms experienced in e-bike cases understand common issues like drivers claiming they didn’t see the rider or disputes about whether the e-biker was following the law. They use this experience to strengthen your case and identify all responsible parties, which may include:

• The car driver

• The city for unsafe road design

• The e-bike manufacturer if a defect (like brake failure) contributed

While educating yourself and riding safely is the first step to prevention, knowing your legal rights and having an experienced personal injury attorney can make a huge difference in your recovery: physically, financially, and emotionally. The attorneys at RMD Law offer free consultations, so you can understand your options with no upfront cost.

Ride Smart, Ride Safe, and Enjoy the E-Bike Boom

E-bikes have opened up a whole new world of mobility for young riders across California. They’re fun, eco-friendly, and give you independence to explore your city on your own terms. With that freedom comes responsibility: to know the rules, equip yourself with safety skills, and respect others on the road and trails.

The popularity of e-bikes among teens is only growing – nationwide sales topped 1.1 million in 2022 (quadruple the number in 2019), and California’s school bike racks are filling up with e-bikes every morning. By learning from resources like the ones we’ve covered – whether it’s a local safety class in Los Angeles, a group ride in San Diego, or reading up on new laws in Orange County – you’re doing your part to make this trend a safe one.

By educating yourself, you are already ahead of the curve. Share what you’ve learned with friends who ride. Maybe even organize a little “e-bike safety meetup” or join your city’s youth commission to advocate for better bike lanes. California’s streets are evolving, and young voices are important in shaping a future where e-bikes and bikes are safe and normal transportation for everyone.

E-bikes give young riders freedom, speed, and fun – but safety and awareness are key to keeping that freedom. If you or someone you love has been injured in an e-bike accident in California, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. The bicycle accident lawyers at RMD Law can review your claim, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact RMD Law today at (949) 828-0015 for a free, no obligation consultation and let’s get you back on track