The O.C. District Attorney's Office, Seal Beach Police Department and other community leaders are expected to address the dangers of e-bikes with a goal of finding ways to solve the problem. The meeting is scheduled for noon at the Old Ranch Country Club.
Earlier this year, District Attorney Todd Spitzer launched a new prosecution unit called RIDE SAFELY. The goal is to create accountability for kids and adults who ride e-bikes and e-motorcycles, but it also goes after those who break the law while riding one of the popular 2-wheelers.
The program will review all potential criminal charges, including for parents who let their children ride illegal e-motorcycles.
This all comes after a rise in crashes, injuries and even deaths related to e-bicycles.
A 72-year-old Seal Beach woman was seriously injured after she was struck by a teenager riding an e-motorcycle earlier this year.
Seal Beach woman injured in e-motorcycle crash advocates for safety
Stephanie Potter spent two weeks in the ICU followed by four weeks at a rehabilitation facility. Four months after the crash, she remains in recovery.
Potter is now urging greater safety and accountability surrounding e-bikes and e-motorcycles.
"I don't know how I survived because I had some pretty extensive injuries," she said. "The problem is that kids... they're not educated on the subject. They believe it's a bicycle with power and that they can ride down the street."
During Potter's recovery, 81-year-old Ed Ashman was also struck by a teen riding an e-motorcycle in Lake Forest and later died from his injuries.
OC mother now charged with involuntary manslaughter following death of 81-year-old man
In that case, the D.A.'s office filed charges against the teen's mother, including involuntary manslaughter, for allegedly letting her 14-year-old son ride an e-motorcycle despite being warned of its dangers multiple times.