San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a new proposal on October 6th to collaborate with regional healthcare and law enforcement agencies to collect data on electric bike accidents.
As reported by city news, the new proposal was put forth by Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer and Board Member Paloma Aguirre, establishing the “Regional E-bike Injury Warning System” to provide the public with relevant data.
According to board documents, county government staff will work with hospitals, community clinics, emergency medical service providers, and relevant law enforcement agencies to collect data where feasible, including: age and demographic information of riders; date, time, and location of accidents; whether helmets were worn; type of bike or equipment; types and severity of injuries; whether patients were transported to hospitals and admitted, treated in the emergency room, or fatalities, and more.
Lawson-Remer stated in a previous statement that she proposed the initiative following recent electric bike safety training activities. This summer, Lawson-Remer’s team conducted 10 electric bike events in her represented second district, with nearly 1,000 participants or registrants.
They found that “many children were riding vehicles that are essentially illegal electric motorcycles, reaching speeds of 40, 50, or even 60 miles per hour.” Lawson-Remer’s office said, “In most cases, parents purchasing these ‘bikes’ are unaware that they are illegal motorcycles.”
Lawson-Remer recently mentioned that pediatric electric bike trauma cases at Rady Children’s Hospital surged from three cases in 2021 to 262 cases in 2025, potentially making electric bikes the leading cause of pediatric trauma at the hospital this year.
According to board documents, a 2026 study led by UC San Diego found that “reported electric bike collision accidents in California increased from 2 in 2018 to 1,566 in 2024, with children and teenagers having the highest collision rates.” ◇
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This article reports on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors’ decision to collaborate with healthcare and law enforcement agencies in collecting data on electric bike accidents. The new “Regional E-bike Injury Warning System” aims to provide crucial information to the public.
Through partnerships with various institutions, the county government will gather detailed data on electric bike accidents, including rider demographics, accident specifics, injury types, and outcomes. This initiative comes in response to concerns raised about the safety of electric bikes, especially among children and teenagers.
Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer highlighted the need for the program, emphasizing instances where potentially dangerous vehicles, posing as electric bikes, were being used by children at alarming speeds. The lack of awareness among parents about the legality and risks associated with these vehicles underscores the importance of collecting comprehensive data.
Recent statistics from Rady Children’s Hospital point to a significant increase in pediatric electric bike trauma cases, indicating a pressing issue that requires attention. The collaboration with UC San Diego on a comprehensive study further underscores the urgency of addressing the rising number of electric bike accidents in California.
Efforts to enhance awareness, enforce safety regulations, and promote responsible riding practices are crucial steps to mitigate the risks associated with electric bikes. The data collected through this new system will play a vital role in shaping future policies and interventions to ensure the safety of riders and the community.