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As we prepare for the start of the new school year, we've compiled the following e-bike safety tips for parents, including how these vehicles work and strategies for setting clear safety boundaries and expectations for children.Ìý

Our District has received numerous reports from the Irvine Police Department, city officials, residents and school staff regarding unsafe e-bike behavior by students, including riding in lanes of traffic, running into pedestrians on sidewalks, swarming pedestrians and runners and other risky actions that have resulted in serious injuries.Ìý

As a parent, you play a critical role in ensuring your child rides their e-bike responsibly. Here’s what you need to know to help keep your child and others safe.

Understand How e-Bikes Work

Before your child begins riding an e-bike, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with how these bikes function. E-bikes can travel much faster than traditional bikes, which means they require more attention to safety and regular maintenance. As reported by the Irvine Police Department, it's important for parents to know that not all e-bikes are the same:

• Class 1 E-Bikes: Pedal assist only, maximum speed 20 mph 

• Class 2 E-Bikes: Throttle-assist, maximum speed 20 mph 

• Class 3 E-Bikes: Pedal assist only, maximum speed 28 mph, equipped with a speedometer (16 years or older, helmets required regardless of age).

If your child rides an e-bike, make sure it is the right class for their age and skill level. Require a helmet for every ride and teach them the .Ìý

Be Aware of e-Bike Modifications

Students may be tempted to modify their e-bikes to increase the speed by purchasing a kit online or having a friend modify the bike for them. This can be extremely dangerous. Many e-bikes are not equipped to handle higher speeds, and the braking systems may not be sufficient. Talk to your child about the dangers of modifications.

Set Clear Boundaries for Safe Riding

• Stay Out of Traffic Lanes: Make it clear to your child that riding in traffic lanes with cars is not allowed. Ensure they know to use bike lanes, trails, or sidewalks (where permitted) and never assume that a driver can see them. Riding e-bikes in traffic has resulted in serious accidents throughout Irvine.
• No Reckless Behavior: Address specific unsafe behaviors that have been reported, such as swarming pedestrians, riding recklessly in groups, racing, cutting in front of cars, and taunting drivers. If you would not allow them to drive a car in that manner, do not allow them to ride an e-vehicle recklessly. Their safety and the safety of others depends on riders knowing boundaries, rules of the road, and acting responsibly.Ìý
• Respect for Others: Teach your child to be courteous to pedestrians and other cyclists. Remind them to slow down when approaching crowded areas, especially on campus and around school, and give an audible signal when passing others.Ìý
• Night Riding: If you allow your child to ride at night, ensure they are prepared with the right equipment, including reflective clothing, and use front and rear lights to stay visible. Talk to them about staying on well-lit paths and avoiding lanes of traffic at night.
• Follow Local Rules: Reinforce the importance of adhering to local regulations, such as wearing helmets, following speed limits in school zones and respecting pedestrian rights of way. See the for more information.

Helmet Safety

Per guidance from the Irvine Police Department:

• Helmets are mandatory for all riders under 18 and for everyone on a Class 3 E-Bike. Wearing a helmet can greatly reduce the risk of serious injury.Ìý
• Helmets should be two finger widths above your eyebrows to the bottom of the helmet.
• One finger should be able to fit under the chin strap.
• Be sure your helmet has been approved by the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American National Standards Institute.

Additional Safety Tips

• Inspect the e-Bike Regularly: Check the bike with your child to ensure that all safety features, such as brakes, tires and lights, function properly.
• Have Regular Conversations About Safety: Discuss safety expectations regularly and review potential risks, from traffic dangers to how to be considerate on shared paths.
• Lead by Example: If possible, go for a ride with your child to reinforce good habits and demonstrate the correct way to navigate bike lanes, cross intersections and share pathways with others.

Attend the Mandatory IUSD Safety Registration Classes

In partnership with the Irvine Police Department (IPD), IUSD’s e-Vehicle Safety and Registration Program educates students on responsible riding, California e-vehicle laws, and safety.

• Attendance: All middle and high school students who ride e-vehicles to school must attend an IPD-led safety presentation each fall. Middle school parents/guardians are required to attend. Parent support is key to student safety.
• Registration & Permits: After attending, students and parents must submit a registration form. Approved students receive a permit to park on campus—e-vehicles without a permit are not allowed.

By staying involved and setting clear boundaries, you can help ensure your child rides their e-bike safely and responsibly. Thank you for playing a crucial role in promoting safe e-bike use!