Orange County Implements New Regulations for E-Bike Users

E-bike riders in unincorporated areas of Orange County will now be subject to new regulations following a decision by the Board of Supervisors. The aim of these new rules is to address safety concerns for both riders and pedestrians as e-bike sales have seen a significant increase in recent times.

The ordinance, pushed by Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley, emphasizes the need for regulation due to the rising number of e-bike trauma patients, which has increased by around 500% since 2020. While e-bikes offer an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, they can pose health and safety risks if not properly regulated.

The new regulations classify e-bikes into three classes based on maximum speeds. Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assistance and have a maximum speed of up to 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes are self-propelling and also reach speeds of up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes, on the other hand, can reach speeds of up to 28 mph. The new rules state that only individuals aged 16 years and older may ride Class 3 e-bikes, and a helmet is required.

Supervisor Foley clarified that the main concern arises from individuals riding mopeds and motorcycles as if they are e-bikes. Such vehicles require a license to operate, unlike e-bikes that have specific speed limits and safety requirements. Park rangers and sheriff deputies will be authorized to stop individuals riding motorcycles on sidewalks, educating them about the laws they are violating.

In addition to the county’s efforts, the Orange County Grand Jury released a report just days before the final reading of the ordinance, urging all cities in Orange County to adopt e-bike rules. The report highlighted the need for consistent regulations across the region to avoid confusion among riders and pedestrians.

The implementation of signage showcasing the new helmet rules, speed limits, and restricted areas for e-bike use will help educate and provide clarity to riders. While Orange County encourages the use of e-bikes as an alternative to cars, ensuring public safety remains a priority. By establishing these regulations, the county aims to strike a balance between promoting environmentally friendly transportation and preventing unnecessary injuries caused by a lack of responsibility.

The e-bike industry has experienced significant growth in recent times, leading to the need for new regulations to address safety concerns. According to market forecasts, the global e-bike market is expected to reach a value of $46.04 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5% during the forecast period.

One of the main issues related to the e-bike industry is the increase in e-bike trauma patients. In Orange County alone, the number of these patients has risen by around 500% since 2020. This highlights the need for proper regulations to ensure the safety of both riders and pedestrians.

The new regulations in Orange County classify e-bikes into three classes based on their maximum speeds. This distinction is crucial in determining the appropriate regulations and safety requirements for each type of e-bike. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes have a maximum speed of up to 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes can go up to 28 mph.

To ensure the safety of riders of Class 3 e-bikes, the new rules state that only individuals aged 16 years and older may ride them, and a helmet is required. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and injuries caused by inexperienced or underage riders.

The issue of individuals mistaking mopeds and motorcycles for e-bikes is another concern that these regulations address. Unlike e-bikes, mopeds and motorcycles require a license to operate and have different speed limits. Park rangers and sheriff deputies will now be authorized to educate individuals riding motorcycles on sidewalks about the laws they are violating.

The Orange County Grand Jury has also emphasized the importance of consistent regulations across the region. They recommended that all cities in Orange County adopt e-bike rules to avoid confusion among riders and pedestrians. Consistency in regulations will ensure that e-bike riders are aware of the rules regardless of which city they are in.

To educate riders about the new regulations, Orange County will implement signage that showcases the helmet rules, speed limits, and restricted areas for e-bike use. These signs will help provide clarity and raise awareness among riders, further promoting safety.

While the county encourages the use of e-bikes as an eco-friendly mode of transportation, public safety remains a priority. The regulations aim to strike a balance between promoting environmentally friendly transportation and preventing unnecessary injuries caused by a lack of responsibility.