California E-Bike Accidents in Focus as Children, Teens Head Back to School

By James Johnson | September 2026

This month, our children return to school across California, but parents and motorists may have noticed a dramatic change in how our children get there. Electric bicycles and electric motorcycles are increasingly replacing traditional bicycles. While these vehicles can make our young people more independent, the increase in their use has led to an alarming number of serious crashes and injuries.

Nationally, researchers have reported an enormous increase in e-bike-related injuries, although experts caution that some data may combine conventional e-bikes with faster electric motorcycles and other electric two-wheelers.

The problem is particularly concerning when children and teenagers are riding powerful electric vehicles that may look like bicycles but legally fall into a different category. The Orange County District Attorney is addressing the rise in e-bike crashes by offering a first-of-its-kind buyback event on Sept. 13th at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The event, held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will provide gift cards between $200 and $1,000 to those who turn in their electric bicycles and motorcycles.

“More than 100 deaths have been attributed to e-Bikes and E-Motorcycles in the United States, and injuries have spiked 430% in just the last four years in Southern California,” the OCDA reports. Additionally, children between the ages of 11 and 14 accounted for 61.7% of E-Motorcycle crashes, even though children under the age of 16 are legally prohibited from riding E-Motorcycles.

And for parents, a recent Orange County case has raised an important question: What happens if your child rides an e-bike or electric motorcycle and seriously injures someone?

Driver Negligence Can Also Cause E-Bike Crashes

Despite the negative news about out-of-control groups of teens popping wheelies and riding recklessly, every e-bike collision is the rider’s fault.

California drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles with reasonable care around bicyclists and other vulnerable road users. A driver’s negligence may include:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way;
• Turning directly into an e-bike’s path;
• Speeding;
• Distracted driving;
• Running a red light or stop sign;
• Making an unsafe lane change;
• Following too closely; or
• Failing to see an e-bike before opening a vehicle door.

When a driver causes an e-bike collision, the injured rider may have a claim against the driver’s liability insurance.

Doorings Can Cause Serious E-Bike Injuries

A surprisingly common type of bicycle collision occurs when someone opens a parked vehicle’s door directly into the path of a bicyclist. The cycling community refers to this type of collision as a “Dooring” or “Door Prize.” Learn more in a recent post on Attorney James Johnson’s YouTube Channel.

Because e-bikes can travel considerably faster than conventional bicycles, a rider may have little time to react.

A collision with an open door can result in:

• Broken bones;
• Shoulder injuries;
• Head injuries;
• Concussions;
• Spinal injuries;
• Road rash;
• Internal injuries; and
• Traumatic brain injuries.

Determining liability may require examining where the vehicle was parked, the rider’s location, visibility and whether the person opening the door exercised reasonable care.

Right-of-Way Violations

Intersections are another major danger zone.

A driver who turns across an e-bike’s path or fails to yield at a stop sign can cause a high-energy collision. Conversely, an e-bike rider who ignores traffic signals or enters an intersection unlawfully may share responsibility.

California follows comparative negligence principles, meaning an injured person may still be able to recover damages even if that person is found partially responsible for the collision. The amount recovered can be reduced according to the person’s percentage of fault.

The Bottom Line for California Families

E-bikes are not toys, and high-powered electric motorcycles are not simply bicycles with batteries.

As these vehicles become more common, California is confronting a growing number of serious crashes—particularly involving young riders and high-speed electric vehicles. The Orange County case involving a teenage rider and a fatal pedestrian collision demonstrates how serious the consequences can become for both families and victims.

For parents, the lesson is straightforward: know what your child is riding, know whether the vehicle is legal, understand where the child is permitted to ride it, and do not assume that parental responsibility ends when you hand over the keys—or handlebars.

For victims, the question is equally important: Who is legally responsible for the injuries?

That answer may involve a negligent driver, an e-bike rider, a parent or guardian, a manufacturer, a retailer—or multiple responsible parties.

If you or someone in your family has been seriously injured in an e-bike, bicycle or electric motorcycle accident in California, an attorney can investigate the circumstances, identify potentially responsible parties and evaluate available insurance and other sources of compensation.

Johnson Attorneys Group represents injured people throughout California. Call 1-800-208-3538 for a free consultation.