The Newport Mesa Unified School District has decided to ban e-bikes for elementary and middle school students starting in the 2026-27 school year.
The decision, made on Tuesday, follows a lengthy debate and a postponed vote in March. The ban will affect students from kindergarten through eighth grade, while only certain e-bikes will be allowed for high schoolers with parental consent.
The new policy prohibits students in second grade and younger from riding any bicycles to school. Students in grades three through eight can ride conventional bicycles after completing a bike-safety training program and obtaining parental consent. High school students will be permitted to ride class 1 e-bikes, but class 3 e-bikes and other motorized vehicles will remain prohibited. Parents must sign a liability waiver for any bike riding from third grade through twelfth grade.
The decision has sparked some backlash from parents who expressed concerns about transportation options for their children. During the school board meeting, some parents argued that the policy unfairly penalizes students who rely on e-bikes for commuting. Chris Johnston, a parent, stated, “Stop penalizing these kids that are just commuting to school on these slower e-bikes. It’s just a simple commuting tool.”
The district’s decision aligns with Newport Beach’s new municipal code regarding e-bikes, which includes fines and e-bike confiscation for violations. The policy aims to address safety concerns and follows similar measures adopted in other Orange County cities, such as Huntington Beach. Despite the controversy, board member Krista Weigand emphasized the need for the ban, stating, “The number one thing that parents come up and ask is when are we going to ban e-bikes.”
The policy will be split into two separate policies: one for traditional pedal bikes and another for motorized transportation, including e-bikes and e-scooters. The district plans to review and vote on any proposed changes in future meetings.
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