E-Bike incidents surge: What parents should know ahead of holiday purchases

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  - With e-bikes topping many kids’ holiday wish lists this year, local law enforcement and prosecutors are issuing warnings to parents about safety requirements, legal responsibilities and the growing number of serious crashes involving young riders.

E-bikes are defined under California law as bicycles equipped with operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.

Although they’re not classified as motorized vehicles, officials said riders must obey the same traffic laws as cars — including stopping at red lights, using bike lanes when available and riding with the flow of traffic.

Deputy Sheriff Paul Abrego with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said many parents don’t realize how fast these bikes can go.

“With throttle and pedal assistance comes speed." Abrego said. "When you have speeds of 20 to 28 miles per hour and you get into an accident, there’s a high probability you’re going to get a head injury.”

According to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, at least 36 juvenile-related e-bike incidents have been reported so far in 2025, involving 45 minors.

Prosecutors said they are reviewing case law to determine when criminal liability may apply to parents who provide minors with e-bikes but fail to ensure proper safety measures.

Under California Penal Code 273a(a), parents can be criminally liable for child endangerment if they allow a minor to ride an inappropriate e-bike, don’t teach safe operation or fail to require proper protective gear.

“Our office’s greatest concern is that a child could cause serious injury, or even death, to themselves or others due to reckless e-bike use,” Assistant District Attorney Mike Cabral said in a statement.

Abrego said parents should know the different classes of e-bikes before buying one:

Class	Motor Assist	Top Speed	Throttle?
Class 1	Pedal assist	20 mph	No
Class 2	Pedal assist + throttle	20 mph	Yes
Class 3	Pedal assist	28 mph	No

Abrego said parents must make sure any bike they buy is clearly labeled with its class, wattage and maximum speed.

California requires e-bikes to be 750 watts or less.

Abrego said to invest in a multidirectional impact protection system (MIPS) certified helmet.

"It protects your head from brain injuries or concussion," Abrego said.

The sheriff’s department in Palm Desert will begin offering more e-bike safety courses after the holidays.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.