Orange County, California — An e-motorcycle buyback in Orange County will give residents an opportunity to turn in electric motorcycles, e-bikes, and certain other motorized bikes in exchange for gift cards as local officials work to address increasing safety concerns surrounding high-powered electric two-wheelers.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced that the buyback event is scheduled for September 13, 2026, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Depending on the type of vehicle surrendered, participants may receive gift cards valued between $200 and $1,000 from retailers including Target, Walmart, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
What Orange County’s Buyback Program Will Accept
The program will accept both working and non-working vehicles, with officials stating that items can be surrendered without question. In addition to e-bikes and e-motorcycles, store-bought pocket bikes and homemade miniature bikes powered by electricity or gasoline may qualify.
Other program details include:
- Gift card amounts will depend on the vehicle classification
- Rewards will be available on a first-come, first-served basis
- The first 75 participants will also receive two Los Angeles Angels tickets
- Both functional and non-functional qualifying vehicles will be accepted
The District Attorney’s Office said the initiative aims to reduce serious injuries involving young riders. Officials reported that e-bike and e-motorcycle injuries among children have risen sharply across Southern California in recent years. Orange County also created its RIDE SAFELY enforcement unit earlier this year to review cases involving potentially unlawful use of e-motorcycles.
California Law Distinguishes E-Bikes From Higher-Powered Vehicles
California Vehicle Code § 312.5 defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts. The law also establishes Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bike categories based partly on how the motor operates and the speed at which assistance ends.
Importantly, California law states that certain high-powered or modified devices do not qualify as e-bikes. This includes vehicles designed or modified to exceed 750 watts or to exceed specified motor-powered speed limits.
That distinction matters because a vehicle marketed or casually described as an “e-bike” may legally fall into another vehicle category with different requirements for licensing, registration, insurance, and where it may be operated.
What to Do After an E-Motorcycle or E-Bike Injury Crash
If an e-motorcycle or e-bike collision causes an injury, determining the vehicle’s legal classification may become an important part of the personal injury claims process.
Useful evidence may include:
- Photos of the electric bike or motorcycle, including manufacturer labels
- Motor wattage and maximum-speed specifications
- Police or CHP collision reports
- Photos and videos from the crash scene
- Witness statements and contact information
- Medical records and treatment expenses
- Insurance policies for all vehicles or parties involved
- Maintenance, modification, and purchase records
The vehicle should generally be preserved after a serious crash rather than immediately repaired or discarded. Its motor, controller, brakes, tires, and electronic components may provide evidence of whether mechanical defects, modifications, or other factors contributed to the collision.
Because insurance coverage can differ significantly between a legally classified e-bike and an electric motorcycle, identifying exactly what type of vehicle was involved may also affect which policies are available to compensate an injured rider.
How The Motorcyclist Attorney Can Help
The Motorcyclist Attorney can investigate an e-motorcycle or e-bike collision, determine how the vehicle is classified under California law, preserve evidence, and review available insurance coverage.
We offer free consultations and representation focused on California riders and their families. Every claim depends on its particular facts and evidence, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Call 844-284-9437 to speak with a California motorcycle accident attorney.
