Following a year of outreach and education efforts, the California Highway Patrol counted a 32% decline in e-bike-related crashes within the agency’s jurisdiction in Santa Cruz County. Crashes dropped to 36 in 2025.
E-bikes are one of the most popular local modes of transportation, but in recent years, the county has experienced a sharp spike in e-bike-related crashes. Between 2023 and 2024, the CHP’s Santa Cruz County office reported a 177% increase in crashes, going from 18 in 2023 to 53 in 2024, including one fatal crash.
The CHP launched Operation Safe Pedal at the beginning of 2025 to raise awareness about e-bike safety through community outreach, school presentations and social media engagement.
Officers gave more than 40 presentations, held bicycle rodeos and staffed safety booths at local schools and events across the county.
“Our goal this year is to focus on parents and give them information and safety tips they need, so they know which e-bike to buy their children, and which ones are legal and illegal,” said Israel Murillo, public information officer for CHP Santa Cruz.
Murillo said it’s illegal for children under age 16 to operate Class 3 e-bikes under the California Vehicle Code. Class 3 e-bikes fall just below the threshold for a moped classification, operating at speeds up to 28 mph, while Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are legal for children under age 16 to operate with helmets.
“We believe that e-bikes are a great means of transportation,” said Murillo. “But it must be done in a safe and responsible manner.”
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