Newport-Mesa Unified School District Implements E-Bike Ban for K-8 Students Amidst Rising Incidents
The Newport-Mesa Unified School District in Newport Beach has banned electric bikes (e-bikes) for students in kindergarten through eighth grade on school property. This decision comes as students return to school, and it follows a significant increase in e-bike-related incidents in Orange County. According to the District Attorney’s office, e-bike and e-motorcycle injuries in Orange County have surged by 430% over the past four years, with children aged 11 to 14 accounting for over 60% of these crashes. The district's communications officer, Annette Franco, stated that parents advocated for stricter e-bike enforcement. While high school students in the district are still permitted to ride e-bikes to school, they are required to complete an e-bike/bicycle safety and training course. This ban is among the first of its kind for schools in California, though other districts have implemented similar restrictions. 
