Laguna Niguel boy seeks city support for stricter e-bike rules

A 12-year-old Laguna Niguel resident is urging Orange County cities to support tighter e-bike safety rules, including a minimum riding age of 16, according to NBC Los Angeles. Alex Guess is pursuing the changes through an online petition, door-to-door outreach and city council appearances.

The campaign seeks local backing for safety proposals and asks state lawmakers to consider letting communities test e-bike rules. NBC Los Angeles described an advocacy effort, not newly enacted requirements.

Guess began the campaign in summer 2026 after seeing risks among young riders, according to NBC Los Angeles. He said two friends had been involved in serious e-bike crashes and described classmates speeding, disregarding rules and taking risks.

His online petition outlines five changes. Along with setting a minimum riding age of 16, it calls for speedometers, licensing and a safety test, fines that hold parents accountable and a youth safety fund financed by those penalties.

At a San Clemente City Council meeting, Guess asked the council to adopt a formal resolution backing e-bike safety reform throughout Orange County, NBC Los Angeles reported.

Guess said elected officials in Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Irvine and San Clemente had supported his effort. That account of support is separate from his request for a formal council resolution.

Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, who represents South Orange County, met virtually with Guess. Her staff told NBC4 they looked forward to working with him.

Guess said his goal was to make riding safer, not to stop children from riding. His effort continues to focus on securing official support for the proposed changes.