Anaheim weighs tougher e-bike enforcement as crashes rise

Anaheim officials are weighing stronger e-bike enforcement and additional safety instruction after police reported 38 accidents so far in 2026, up from two in 2024. The discussion Tuesday focused on whether the city should adjust an approach centered on educating riders, according to Voice of OC.

The debate centers on how to balance instruction for children and families with enforcement as reported accidents increase. Other Orange County cities are adopting or considering restrictions that could expose parents to citations and riders to impoundment costs.

Police Chief Manny Cid presented the accident figures during a City Council review of e-bike regulations approved in 2024, Voice of OC reported. Along with the two accidents in 2024 and 38 so far this year, police recorded 16 in 2025.

Cid said police had issued about 12 tickets or fewer over the past couple of years, concentrating instead on education for children and families. He said the department would keep assessing how to combine that work with potentially increased enforcement.

Councilwoman Natalie Rubalcava called for recording police warnings and extending proactive safety instruction across the city. Councilman Carlos Leon asked whether police had set a collision threshold for tougher enforcement. Cid said police would track the trend and return to the council if accidents continued to increase.

Mayor Ashleigh Aitken suggested safety courses and possible permits for riders under 16. Police said they were working with school districts on the issue. Councilwoman Natalie Meeks said the education-focused approach had worked in Anaheim Hills.

Elsewhere in Orange County, Santa Ana officials voted to adopt an ordinance limiting e-bike use on playgrounds, setting speed limits and permitting citations for parents and impoundment of bikes, according to Voice of OC.

Lake Forest officials were expected to consider allowing deputies to impound e-bikes from children riding in restricted areas or using bikes capable of 28 mph, Voice of OC reported. The city was also considering a towing agreement that would place towing costs on bike owners rather than taxpayers.