Orcutt Union School District in California has banned e-bikes for elementary and junior high students due to the increasing number of injuries and accidents related to their use. The district has also restricted the use of e-bikes for high school students, requiring them to take training courses and obtain approval before riding to and from school.
Safety Concerns
Physicians at Marian Regional Medical Center have reported that injuries caused by powered mobility devices, including e-bikes, are one of the leading causes of trauma cases. Experts say that e-bike accidents tend to be more severe than standard bicycle accidents due to the high speeds they can reach, often resulting in head trauma and brain injuries, especially if a helmet is not worn.
The new policies are part of the district’s efforts to ensure the safety of its students. High school students who wish to ride e-bikes to and from school must walk them on and off campus and keep them locked in designated areas. Additionally, riding powered mobility devices is now strictly prohibited on all campuses at any time of day or night.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
