Surge in E-Bike Accidents Prompts Safety Measures in California
ANAHEIM, CA — September 13, 2026 — A dramatic rise in e-bike and electric motorcycle-related injuries has prompted the Orange County District Attorney to hold a buyback event today at Angel Stadium from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Authorities reported over 100 deaths linked to e-bikes and e-motorcycles across the U.S., with injuries increasing by 430% in Southern California over the last four years. Children aged 11 to 14 were involved in 61.7% of e-motorcycle crashes, despite legal restrictions prohibiting those under 16 from riding.
The buyback program will offer gift cards between $200 and $1,000 for surrendered electric vehicles, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and reduce the number of accidents.
The OCDA emphasized that every e-bike collision may involve negligence, including drivers failing to yield or distracted driving. Furthermore, “dooring” incidents—where a vehicle door opens into the path of a cyclist—are common and can result in serious injuries.
California follows comparative negligence laws, allowing injured parties to recover damages even if partially at fault. As e-bikes become more prevalent, safety education for both riders and drivers is critical.
For more information on e-bike safety, witnesses or those involved in accidents are encouraged to contact legal authorities or local representatives.