Orange County Initiates E-Bike Buyback Program to Enhance Safety

Orange County is introducing an e-bike buyback initiative, offering payments between $200 and $1,000. This effort, led by the district attorney’s office, aims to remove potentially dangerous e-bikes from the streets, modeled after successful gun buyback programs.

In a statement, Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer emphasized the serious risks involved with these vehicles, stating that the program’s goal is to safeguard lives. The event’s promotional material encourages participants to ‘Buy back safety.’

The initiative highlights the increased efforts by public agencies and lawmakers in California to address the growing issue of e-bike related incidents, marked by accidents and dangerous activities like street takeovers and police pursuits.

E-bikes have surged in popularity in California, among both adults and children. However, concerns focus on minors using high-speed e-bikes that can outpace law enforcement vehicles. Earlier in the summer, Amazon was urged to stop selling high-speed e-bikes in the state, though legal limits cap pedal-assisted bikes at 28 mph and throttle bikes at 20 mph.

A UC San Diego study reveals a swift rise in e-bike accidents and injuries, notably affecting riders aged 14 and younger. Between 2018 and 2024, there were at least 4,035 recorded collisions involving e-bikes, with injuries typically more severe than those from traditional pedal bikes.

Statewide measures are being implemented to address this. The Huntington Beach Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department conducted an e-bike safety class for local youth in 2025. Furthermore, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District introduced restrictions, banning e-bikes for elementary and middle school students. High school students are allowed, provided they complete a California Highway Patrol course.

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation is exploring regulatory options for e-bikes and will present findings to the City Council’s Rules Committee. At the state level, proposed laws aim to impose age restrictions and require speedometers on e-bikes.

Irvine police officer Jason Scheafer, responsible for e-bike enforcement, reports that most riders comply with the rules. Nonetheless, serious crashes still occur, especially with young riders lacking driver’s education.

Efforts focus on educating youths rather than issuing citations. Those with illegal e-bikes risk impoundment. Orange County has also established an e-bike prosecution unit to review criminal charges related to the misuse of e-bikes by minors and parents.

Involuntary manslaughter charges were recently brought against a mother whose son caused a fatal e-motorcycle accident. Such incidents underscore the need for regulation and education to prevent further tragedies.

In California, e-bikes are categorized based on speed and motor power. Riders are required to follow certain guidelines, such as wearing helmets and adhering to age restrictions. The attorney general warns against illegally modified bikes.

The Orange County buyback will occur on September 13, with participants offered incentives like Los Angeles Angels tickets. The program will also accept gas-powered bikes and e-scooters, funded via asset forfeiture.