A new e-bike safety registry, RidePermit, launched in Orange County on July 31 as a pilot program. Founded by Anthony Bright, the initiative seeks to create a standardized statewide platform for electric bicycle safety and compliance. The first family to register, Mike Packman and his 12-year-old son Luke from Ladera Ranch, participated in the program.
RidePermit requires e-bike riders, particularly students, and their parents to complete a safety training course, pass a quiz, and register their e-bike online before riding to school. Upon completion, riders receive a free digital identification linked to their age, school, and parent contact information. This ID also lists the e-bike's model and class, indicating whether it is permitted for their specific school district. An optional $25 sticker decal is available for purchase to affix to the e-bike, and discussions are underway with law enforcement for a larger, license plate-like decal.
The launch occurs amid rising concerns over e-bike safety. A CHOC study reported a significant increase in youth e-bike injuries, with trauma activations in its emergency room climbing from one in 2021 to 201 in 2025. Local law enforcement records also indicate incidents, including a recent fatality in Huntington Beach involving a 21-year-old e-bike rider. Furthermore, Orange County parents have faced criminal charges, including felony child endangerment and involuntary manslaughter, for allegedly allowing their children to operate illegal e-motorcycles. The Orange County District Attorney’s office announced an e-bike/e-motorcycle unit in May to review potential criminal charges.
Simultaneously, state legislative efforts are advancing. Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) co-authored AB 1569, which proposes requiring the State Department of Education and California Highway Patrol to develop a standardized e-bike safety and training program for students in grades 7 through 12. The bill passed the Assembly in May and the Senate with a 39-0 vote, awaiting the governor’s signature. Assemblymember Davies noted the challenges of varying local rules: "In my district, you can actually get onto your e-bike and go through at least four different cities within 30 minutes, and each city has different rules."
Bright envisions the platform collecting crucial data. "If we had all the kids using one platform, all the data for the state is there," he stated. This data could inform decisions by state agencies, school districts, schools, and law enforcement regarding incidents, suspensions, and age group trends. The program is designed to be free for statewide use. Mike Packman of Ladera Ranch noted, "being part of something that will help track everybody’s e-bikes and put some regulation around it and make it easier to police — it makes us feel more comfortable."
Assemblymember Davies, who previously co-authored a bill for DMV registration and special license plates that did not advance, emphasized the importance of education before riding. AB 1569 aims to establish a uniform safety curriculum to ensure students and parents understand e-bike rules and regulations.
