Newport-Mesa Unified School District bans e-bikes for K-8 students

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District has implemented a ban on e-bikes for kindergarten through eighth-grade students on school campuses, effective with the start of the 2026-27 school year. This marks the first district in California to adopt such a ban.

The decision follows rising safety concerns, as Orange County has seen a 430% increase in e-bike and e-motorcycle injuries over the last four years. Data from the District Attorney’s office indicates that children aged 11 to 14 account for more than 60% of these crashes.

While the ban applies to younger students, e-bikes remain permitted on high school campuses, provided students complete an e-bike and bicycle safety training course. Community reactions are mixed; some parents support the measure to improve safety, while others express concern regarding the increased traffic from car drop-offs and the logistical challenges for families.