Electric bikes and scooters, also known as e-bikes and e-scooters, have become a popular way to get around. They are a fun and eco-friendly alternative to cars, but their growing popularity has come with a high rate of accidents and injuries. In 2023 alone, the U.S. saw over 34,000 e-bike accidents and more than 40,000 e-scooter accidents. Tragically, there is an average of 28 e-bike and 23 e-scooter fatalities each year.
Just this past month, two serious e-bike crashes in San Bernardino County highlighted the risks:
On April 5, a 14-year-old boy tragically lost his life in Chino Hills after losing control of a Class 3 e-bike. He had a passenger riding on the pegs, and neither wore helmets. According to California law, Class 3 e-bikes require the operator to be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet (if under 17), and ride solo.
On March 25, a 16-year-old was hospitalized in Rancho Cucamonga after colliding with a van while riding against traffic.
What’s Causing These Accidents?
Rider behavior plays a big role in safety, and following all the e-bike and e-scooter regulations will help your chances of staying safe.
Safety Tips for E-Bike & E-Scooter Riders:
- Know the law: Make sure you or your child are the legal age for the type of e-bike or e-scooter you are operating. Here’s a quick link to California’s e-bike laws.
- Wear a helmet: This is always such a simple step that could save your life.
- Ride solo: Carrying passengers is illegal on many types of e-bikes and e- scooters.
- Check before you ride: Look over the scooter or bike for any visible issues. These could include loose handlebars, worn tires, and faulty brakes.
- Ride with traffic: Always go in the same direction as vehicles and follow all street signs and signals.
- Follow app guidelines: If you are renting an e-bike or e-scooter, each platform will provide safety regulations along with maps of areas you should not ride.
- Stay alert: Avoid distractions like phones or headphones.
- Respect pedestrians: Pedestrians have the right of way. When riding, it is your responsibility to slow down, stop when necessary, and always ride cautiously and courteously.
- Don’t leave your bike or scooter blocking the sidewalk: When you’re done riding, park it responsibly so others can safely pass.
Added Risk
Companies that rent out these devices also have a responsibility. Riders are putting a lot of trust into e-bike and e-scooter rental companies, such as Lime and Bird, to be up-to-date on maintenance for each one of their offered devices. These bikes and scooters are left on the street and renters have no way of knowing what condition they’re in until it’s too late. If a bike or scooter is defective, has worn-down brakes, or loose parts, it can turn a quick ride into a serious injury.
Miguel Custodio of CD Law says, “These companies have been getting sued by people that get injured because they’re not well maintained and they’re being negligent. People leave the scooters on the street and who knows what happens in between that and the next time another person picks up the scooter to rent it.” Click HERE to visit our Instagram page for more from Miguel.
We urge everyone, especially parents and teens, to take these guidelines seriously. Stay safe out there, and remember to always ride smart!
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May 06, 2025