www.torranceca.gov/our-city/police
Prepared by
Torrance Police Department
Traffic & Special Events
10E
Presentation Overview
•Background & Purpose
•Regional Trends & Data
•Injury Statistics & Safety Concerns
•Current Challenges
•Proposed Ordinance Framework
•Next Steps & Staff Recommendation
Background
- Surge in E-Bike Popularity in Torrance
- Increased Youth Ridership
- Growing Safety Concerns:
•Sidewalks
•Parks, Trails, Unique Geography
•Cell Phone Use
•Stunt Riding
- Current Enforcement Limitations
Data Collection
(10/14/24 to 04/14/25)
E-Bike Traffic Stop 415 E-Bike
Total TPD Incidents: 92
TOTAL:
28 Traffic Stop
20 415 E-Bike
44 E-Bike Patrol Info
This code is for an E-Bike
incident that is not currently
happening but that a citizen
called in to notify us about.
This code is used when an
officer stops an E-bike rider for
a traffic infraction.
This code is used for
disturbances or incidents
involving E-bikes requiring
immediate attention.
28 20 44
6-Months
Patrol Info
Regional Trends & Data
•Beach Cities Health District
(BCHD) March 2023 Study
•Surge in South Bay Student
E-Bike Ridership
•Study Revealed 66% E-bike
vs Traditional Bicycle on
campus.
Source: ACS - American College of Surgeons
*SDCounty Only
Carlsbad State of Emergency (2019–2022)
•233% Increase in Bike & E-Bike Collisions
•E-Bikes Involved in 63% of Collisions
CHOC Injury Data
•E-Bike Injuries Rose from 7 (2019) to 116 (2024)
•Most Cases: Ages 14–16, Followed by 11–13
•Types of Injuries:
–Skull & Facial Fractures
–Extremity Fractures
–Internal Organ Trauma
National Study: NIH Data
•Pediatric E-Bike Injuries Rising
•82.5% Involve Male Riders
•97.3% Not Wearing Helmets
•E-Bike Hospitalization Rate: 11.5%
–(Bicycle 4.8%)
Enforcement Challenges
•California Vehicle Code Limitations
•No Existing Torrance Municipal Code
Specific to E-Bikes
•Officers Lack Clear Authority to Regulate:
–Unsafe Behavior
–High-Risk Areas
–Distracted Riding
Why a Municipal Code is Needed
•Close Enforcement Gaps
•Define Unsafe E-Bike Operation
•Prohibit Dangerous Behaviors:
–Wheelies, Sidewalk Speeding, Handlebar Riding, etc.
•Regulate Use in:
–Sidewalks, Parks, Trails, Washes, Ravines
Proposed Ordinance Elements
•Prohibit Unsafe Riding in Public Areas
•No Handheld Device Use While Riding
•Clear Enforcement Authority
•Additional Sidewalk/Location Enforcement Authority
Staff Recommendation
•Direct Staff to Draft Municipal Code:
–Define Unsafe E-Bike Operation
–Regulate Use in Shared Spaces
–Provide Police Enforcement Authority
–Support Youth & Community Safety
Educational
Campaign:
•Education Campaign with our
partners:
–TUSD, local hospitals, TFD, and
bicycle retail establishments.
Closing & Questions
•- Commitment to Public Safety
•- Protecting Our Youth & Shared Spaces
•- Proactive Regulation for an Evolving Trend
•Questions?
www.torranceca.gov/our-city/police
Traffic & Special Events
Torrance Police Department
Traffic & Special Events Division