If you’ve been out in Huntington Beach lately, you’ve probably noticed more and more people zipping around on e-bikes. They’re fun, fast, and a popular way to get around Huntington Beach, especially for teens. But with that rise in popularity comes a big problem: e-bike accidents are happening more often, and the injuries are getting worse.
That’s why the Huntington Beach Police Department launched a new safety program focused on e-bikes. It’s designed to teach riders the rules of the road and help prevent crashes before they happen. As personal injury attorneys, we see what happens when things go wrong, and we believe this program could make a real difference.
Let’s break down what the program is, why it matters, and what you can do if you or someone you love gets hurt in an e-bike crash.
The Growing Danger of E-Bike Crashes in Huntington Beach
E-bikes aren’t just a trend anymore; they’re everywhere. But with their growing popularity comes a growing problem: more crashes, more injuries, and more families caught off guard.
Recent data from the City of Huntington Beach shows the trend clearly:
- 72 e-bike crashes in 2022
- 135 crashes in 2023
- 147 crashes in 2024
That’s more than double in just two years, and it’s not slowing down.
Why the spike in e-bike crashes? It’s a mix of factors. More young riders are hitting the streets with little experience, often unaware of how fast these bikes can go. E-bikes are also getting faster and more powerful, raising the risk of serious injuries. Combine that with crowded streets, distracted drivers, and confusion about where e-bikes can legally ride, and it’s easy to see why accidents are increasing.
It’s a dangerous mix. And without the right education and enforcement, the numbers could keep climbing.
Huntington Beach Introduces New E-Bike Safety Program
With e-bike injuries on the rise, Huntington Beach is taking a proactive step to protect its youngest riders. The city has introduced the Police-Led Student E-Bike Safety Program, the first program of its kind designed to teach real-world safety skills before accidents happen.
Backed by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, this free program offers hands-on training that many riders have never had access to. It addresses a growing problem: more teens and families are using e-bikes for everyday travel, but most haven’t been taught how to handle them safely.
This program isn’t just a safety talk; it’s practical, it’s engaging, and it could prevent serious injuries. By closing the education gap, the city hopes to reduce crashes, boost rider confidence, and give families peace of mind.
Here’s what participants learn:
- How to stop quickly using emergency braking
- How to steer around obstacles safely
- How to react faster in traffic situations
- Why helmets matter and how to wear them correctly
- The laws every California e-bike rider needs to know
Each 70-minute class is held in a safe, controlled space designed to feel like real traffic situations, without the real-world risks. Riders learn how to handle their bikes at different speeds, practice emergency stops, and navigate obstacles as they build skill and confidence.
One thing that sets this program apart? Parents or guardians participate too. Ensuring families learn together, ask questions, and carry those lessons home.
The course was created and is led by Sergeant Mike Thomas, using a curriculum built from a POST-certified 40-hour instructor training program. He’s worked countless e-bike crash scenes and knows firsthand how dangerous these rides can be when riders aren’t prepared.
“Kids don’t realize how fast these bikes go until they’re trying to stop or avoid something,” Sgt. Thomas said. “We want them to face those risks here, not in traffic.”
Programs like this don’t just teach the rules; they give young riders a real chance to stay safe and avoid life-changing injuries.
Understanding the Serious Risks of E-Bike Accidents
E-bikes travel at significantly higher speeds than traditional bicycles, and when accidents occur, the resulting injuries are often much more serious.
Common injuries from e-bike crashes include:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Fractures to the arms, wrists, or legs
- Severe road rash and lacerations
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ trauma
One particularly troubling trend involves severe kneecap fractures in children, injuries that were once considered rare. According to Dr. John Schlechter, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at CHOC, e-bike collisions are now producing adult-level trauma in young riders.
“E-bike injuries just blow the kneecap apart,” Dr. Schlechter explained. “We’re putting implants in children that I’ve never seen put on a 13-year-old knee.”
In many cases, children arrive at the hospital with multiple injuries at once, such as broken bones, head trauma, and internal damage. These are not the types of injuries typically associated with standard bicycle falls, but they are becoming more common with high-speed e-bikes.
Typical E-Bike Crash Scenarios in Personal Injury Cases
You don’t have to be speeding or breaking the rules to get seriously hurt on an e-bike. Many of the injury cases we handle involve riders who were doing everything right.
Here are some of the most common crash scenarios we’ve seen:
- Drivers turning into bike lanes without checking for e-bike riders
- Parked cars swinging open doors into a rider’s path (known as “dooring”)
- Riders losing control downhill, especially on unfamiliar or uneven terrain
- Pedestrian collisions when riding on crowded sidewalks or shared paths
- Drivers rear-ending e-bikes while stopped at red lights or intersections
Even low-speed crashes can cause serious injuries. That’s why knowing your rights and getting legal help early can make all the difference.
What California Law Says About E-Bikes
California has clear rules in place for e-bike riders, designed to keep everyone on the road safe. But these laws don’t just impact how you ride; they can also affect the outcome of a personal injury claim if you’re involved in a crash.
Understanding these California e-bike laws is especially important for young riders and their families.
California’s Three E-Bike Classes:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with a maximum speed of 20 mph
- Class 2: Throttle-powered (with optional pedal-assist), also capped at 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, can reach up to 28 mph
- Riders must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet
Additional Key E-Bike Laws:
- Helmets are required for all riders under 18, regardless of e-bike class
- Class 3 riders must wear helmets at all times, regardless of age
- Sidewalk riding is restricted in many areas of Huntington Beach, especially near business districts and the beach path
- All e-bike riders must obey the same traffic laws as cars, including stop signs, signals, and yielding to pedestrians
Why These Laws Matter in Injury Claims
If you or your child is injured in an e-bike crash and wasn’t following the rules, such as not wearing a helmet or riding on a restricted sidewalk, it could affect your personal injury case. Insurance companies may try to use this against you by claiming the rider was at fault.
But that doesn’t mean you’re fully to blame or that you’ll be denied compensation.
Our experienced e-bike accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, assess who was truly responsible, and fight to make sure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Determining Liability After an E-Bike Accident
E-bike crashes can be tricky when it comes to figuring out who’s responsible. In California, more than one person may be at fault, and you can still get compensation even if you were partly to blame.
People or parties who may be responsible include:
- A driver who didn’t yield or check their blind spot
- A rider who was going too fast or ran a stop sign
- A company that made or sold a defective bike
- A city that failed to fix a dangerous road or bike path
You don’t have to navigate this on your own. Our team can investigate the details, identify who’s at fault, and work to hold them accountable.
How the HBPD’s Safety Program Could Reduce Injury Claims
When riders follow the rules and understand how to stay safe on the road, crashes become less frequent, and fewer people get seriously injured.
The new e-bike safety program from the Huntington Beach Police Department has the potential to create lasting change. It can lead to:
- Greater rider awareness and decision-making skills
- More consistent and proper helmet use
- Safer driving behavior from motorists sharing the road with e-bikes
- A reduction in high-speed crashes, especially involving teens and children
Fewer crashes mean fewer families facing ER visits, lost income, or long recoveries. And with fewer injury claims, there’s less stress, fewer disputes, and more peace of mind for everyone on the road.
What to Do If You’re Hurt in an E-Bike Accident
However, if you or your child find themselves hurt in an e-bike accident, don’t wait to take action. You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future medical care or rehabilitation needed as a result of the crash.
Taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what to do after an e-bike crash:
- Seek medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor
- Take photos of the accident scene, your e-bike, and visible injuries
- File a police report and request a copy for your records
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
- Speak with a personal injury lawyer before talking to insurance companies
The decisions you make after a crash can affect your entire case. A trusted attorney can help guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Our E-Bike Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
After an e-bike crash, having the right legal support can make all the difference. Our e-bike accident lawyers are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the crash by collecting evidence, reviewing police reports, and speaking with witnesses
- Identify all liable parties, whether it’s a negligent driver, a faulty e-bike manufacturer, or a city responsible for unsafe road conditions
- Handle all communication with insurance companies, so you don’t have to deal with pressure or lowball offers
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care
- Negotiate or litigate on your behalf, depending on what it takes to get the best outcome
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to make sure your voice is heard—and that you get the support you need to recover and move forward.
Get Legal Help from a Local E-Bike Accident Attorney
With over 50 years of combined experience, the attorneys at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers know what it takes to handle complex e-bike injury claims and win. We’ve helped countless riders and families recover the compensation they deserve after serious accidents. From medical bills to long-term care, we fight for every dollar you’re owed.
If you or your child has been hurt in an e-bike crash, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you move forward with confidence.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
