CARLSBAD, Calif. — Micro mobility or the use of electric bikes and scooters is gaining in popularity and so is the push for more safety guidelines for riders and drivers. To help with that mission - Carlsbad police officers held an e-bike safety class Saturday. They said so far this year in Carlsbad, e-bike crashes have decreased.
They've had 27 e-bike collisions for the first two quarters of the year, but E-motorcycle usage is a growing concern, especially following a recent crash involving a young child.
The crash happened on Battiquitos Drive and Daisy Avenue. The young boy was riding an E-motorcycle.
California law states you have to be 16-years-old to ride.
"They (parents)can be held responsible if their child under 14 is stopped or involved in an accident riding an e-motorcycle. It’s a misdemeanor crime knowingly allowing your child to operate a motorized vehicle that needs to be registered or have a license," said Lt. Alonso DeVelasco, Carlsbad PD.
Saturday's two classes on e-bike safety were full and students said they learned a lot.
"I feel like I’m less likely to get in an accident because I know the rules of the road," said 13-year-old Kyle Tucker.
"I thought it was really good because they are teaching us all of the signals and stuff all the risks, so now I’m going to ride a lot safer and slower," said 12-year-old Spencer Horgan.
Some of the accidents these officers see involve kids not following the rules such as not wearing a helmet or letting a passenger ride on the handlebars instead of a passenger seat. That can get you a citation or worse.
“They really are extremely convenient but can be very, very dangerous,” said parent Nick Horgan.
Knowing your hand signals to alert drivers on the road of your intentions is crucial to keeping yourself safe as a cyclist. It was just one of the talking points from Carlsbad Police officers to students.
It took a lot of persuading by 12-year-old Spencer Horgan to finally get his parents to purchase an e-bike. Horgan's parents said they worry about things that are out of their son's control.
“It’s really the cars on the road. So even if my kids are making responsible decisions or if I’m out there doing it, you have to be concerned with the drivers out on the road," said Horgan.
Anticipating vehicle moves is crucial for bikers. Officers said if something is predictable, it's preventable.
Class 3 e-bikes can reach 28 miles per hour and E-motorcycles are capable of reaching speeds above 60 miles per hour. Some parents, officers said, were unaware that an e-motorcycle requires a person to be 16 years old and have a license.
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