Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) has introduced Assembly Bill 1614 in response to growing concerns about e-bike safety. The proposed legislation aims to address injuries linked to the increased speed and accessibility of e-bikes, particularly incidents involving multiple riders.
Dixon stated, “I am proud to have had several successful pieces of e-bike legislation signed into law. However, despite our efforts, the increased speed and accessibility of e-bikes have consistently led to higher rates of injury. More needs to be done to address the safety of e-bike riders, pedestrians and drivers. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that I have partnered with the California Orthopaedic Association and introduced Assembly Bill 1614 which will close an existing loophole and prohibit piggybacking on E-Bikes.”
Dr. Francois Lalonde, MD, an orthopedic surgeon from Orange and a member of the executive committee for the California Orthopaedic Association, supported the bill by highlighting his experience treating frequent e-bike injuries at a trauma center. He said, “As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at a level 1 trauma center, I see multiple E-Bike injuries on a weekly basis. With multiple riders, the driver can more easily be distracted and/or lose control causing serious injuries (multiple/open long bone fractures, concussions and brain bleeds) to all riders. Sadly, many of the injuries are life-changing. This much needed legislation is important to ban piggybacking on E-Bikes wherever they are ridden.”
Dixon emphasized her ongoing commitment: “With the introduction of AB 1614,” she said, “I am continuing to pursue the critical e-bike legislation needed to improve the safety of our communities.”
Assemblymember Dixon represents California’s 72nd Assembly District, which includes Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods and Lake Forest.
