Photo obtained from IPD video about e-bikes in Irvine
Irvine takes public safety seriously! During the November 12th Irvine City Council meeting, Mayor Larry Agran asked the Irvine Police Department (IPD) to update the Council on the growing number of collisions involving electric bikes (e-bikes) — especially among youth — and to review what new measures can be implemented to keep e-bike riders, pedestrians, and motorists safe.
The Mayor began the discussion by emphasizing that the top priority for the City of Irvine is to keep people safe. At Mayor Agran’s request, Police Chief Michael Kent and his team reported that even though most of the City’s residents are law-abiding, reckless behavior and collisions caused by young e-bike riders have dramatically risen over the past two years.
Irvine traffic enforcement officials provided a detailed report showing that the vast majority of e-bike collisions are caused by riders under the age of 18. Just this year, there have been 192 e-bike collisions in Irvine, with 128 of those accidents caused by an e-bike operator under the age of 18. It was noted that young teens, 13-16 years of age, cause the majority of e-bike collisions. IPD staff also presented an alarming video showing Irvine teens flying down City streets and pathways, crossing intersections without yielding to oncoming traffic, and demonstrating little regard for pedestrians and motorists they encountered.
Police stated that parents must take the problem more seriously, reminding Irvine parents that they are legally and financially responsible for collisions caused by their children. IPD also reminded parents that e-bikes are not traditional bicycles; e-bikes are much heavier and harder to control.
Irvine and Orange County health providers have begun reporting a spike in the number of severe brain injuries and extremity fractures among e-bike operators. During the public comments portion of the Council meeting, UCI Health trauma surgeon Sigrid Burruss, MD pointed out that the e-bike injuries she sees in the operating room are similar to those from motorcycle accidents. Dr. Burruss reported that there has been a dramatic increase in e-bike injuries in California over the last five years. She also noted the irony that state law requires an e-scooter operator to have a valid California Driver’s License, but e-bike riders are not required to have any license, nor is there any age restriction.
Several Irvine residents also provided public comments, citing concerns for the City’s pedestrians and auto drivers who are impacted by erratic and risky behaviors of e-bike operators as they speed through town without paying attention to the rules of the road. Simply put, all road users as well as pedestrians on sidewalks are being placed at increased risk of serious injury.
After the public discussion, Mayor Agran introduced a motion to direct City staff to work with the IPD and the City Attorney to prepare a report to be presented to the Council within 45 days with recommendations on what the City can and cannot do under existing state law to address this public safety crisis. The Mayor’s motion passed on a 7-0 vote.
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