The Newport-Mesa Unified School District has banned electric bikes for students in kindergarten through eighth grade amid growing concerns about safety. The district, which serves Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, began the school year with a policy prohibiting younger students from possessing or riding e-bikes or e-motos on any school property. District officials say the vehicles create unique safety risks because of their speed and younger riders’ limited experience. The policy comes as Orange County officials consider tougher enforcement of illegal e-bike and e-motorcycle riding following several injuries and a pedestrian death. Students in grades nine through 12 may possess e-bikes, but they must complete a district-approved safety training course before riding them to school. High school students are still prohibited from possessing e-motos, which the district defines as two-wheeled vehicles that accelerate using a throttle without pedaling. All students must wear helmets while riding bicycles or approved electric vehicles, and e-bikes cannot be ridden on district campuses.
