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E-bike crashes in Santa Barbara have risen dramatically in recent years. With injuries piling up and widespread confusion about the rules, the Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury has taken the unusual step of publicly urging the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) to act.
If you or your children share local roads and trails with e-bikes, this issue affects you. Below, our Santa Barbara personal injury attorneys at NordstrandBlack PC break down what the Grand Jury report says, why it matters, and what you can do if you have been injured in an e-bike crash, whether as a rider, pedestrian, or driver.
E-Bikes Crashes Are on the Rise
E-bikes have exploded in popularity across Santa Barbara County. They offer a convenient way to get around, especially for teens and tourists. However, their increasing use has also created serious safety concerns. Between January 25, 2022, and August 24, 2024, e-bike accidents
resulted in 85 hospitalizations, and Santa Barbara experienced its first e-bike-related fatality in May of 2025.
The Santa Barbara Police Department reports:
- 10 e-bike-involved crashes in 2022
- 73 e-bike-involved crashes in 2023,
- 107 e-bike-involved crashes in 2024.
Of the 107 Santa Barbara e-bike collisions in 2024, the e-bike rider was at fault 76% of the time (71 crashes).
The Grand Jury E-Bike Safety Recommendations
The Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury is tasked with oversight of local government. Their June 2025 report called out the city’s lack of regulation, inadequate education, and inconsistent enforcement of e-back infractions as major sources of concern. Since the City of Santa Barbara’s adoption of the new e-bike ordinance, SBPD officers have greater discretion in responding to unsafe behavior by e-bike riders.
Key takeaways from the Civil Grand Jury Report:
- The SBPD is encouraged to establish a plan to strategically and consistently focus on e-bike safety.
- The SBPD should provide the City Council with monthly reports on the number and severity of e-bike-involved accidents.
- The Santa Barbara City Council should conduct a study to determine how much money is needed to fund this additional police work.
- The Santa Barbara City Council should initiate an expanded and long-term public information campaign to educate the public about the city’s new e-bike rules.
- The Santa Barbara City Council should seek the cooperation and participation of secondary schools in the Santa Barbara Unified School District and private organizations to expand awareness on e-bike safety.
Why This Matters for Everyone in Santa Barbara
Whether you’re a cyclist, driver, pedestrian, or parent of a teen who rides, e-bike enforcement affects your safety on local streets. The rise in e-bike collisions means a higher risk of serious injury for everyone, especially at intersections, on bike paths, and in school zones.
The roads were not designed for silent, fast-moving e-bikes weaving in and out of car traffic. Without clear legal consequences and consistent rider training, unsafe riding habits will continue to be a serious hazard.
What Happens If You Are Injured in an E-Bike Crash?
If you have been hurt in an e-bike accident, whether as a rider or someone struck by an e-bike, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
At NordstrandBlack PC, we have seen how these crashes can result in serious, life-altering injuries, including broken bones, brain injuries, and long-term neurologic issues. Riders and pedestrians often suffer the most severe harm, but drivers can also be affected.
Common causes of e-bike accidents include:
- Reckless or underage riding
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
- Speeding, especially on Class 3 e-bikes
- Riding on sidewalks or in pedestrian-heavy zones
- Defective e-bike parts or battery malfunctions
Who Can Be Held Liable in an E-Bike Crash?
Liability in e-bike collisions can vary, but it may include:
- Negligent Riders – If an e-bike rider violated traffic laws or rode unsafely, they may be held responsible for your injuries.
- Parents of Minor Riders – When underage riders cause harm, parents may bear legal responsibility in some cases.
- Manufacturers or Retailers – If the crash was due to a mechanical defect, the company that made or sold the bike could be liable.
- Property Owners or Cities – If a hazardous road or bike path condition contributed to the accident, the city or property owner may share responsibility.
What Damages Can You Recover?
At NordstrandBlack PC, we know that medical costs are just one part of the financial and emotional toll. That’s why we look at the full impact of the injury when pursuing claims. If someone else was responsible for your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab)
- Loss of income during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care and therapy
- Loss of quality of life
What You Should Do After an E-Bike Crash in Santa Barbara
If you or a loved one is involved in an e-bike crash:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel injured right away.
- Call the police and make sure an incident report is filed.
- Take photos of the scene, damage, injuries, and all vehicles and bikes involved.
- Get witness information if anyone saw the crash.
- Do not make any statements to insurance adjusters before speaking to a Santa Barbara e-bike accident lawyer.
- Determine if there are any cameras at the scene that may have captured images of the crash.
Reasons to Choose NordstrandBlack PC
At NordstrandBlack PC, our attorneys have been helping injured clients in Santa Barbara for decades. We have seen firsthand how unregulated e-bike usage is creating danger on our roads. Our law firm has been rated 10.0 Superb by Avvo and has a 5-star rating on Google.
Speak With a Trusted E-Bike Accident Attorney in Santa Barbara
If you have been hurt in an e-bike accident, take action now. Let NordstrandBlack PC evaluate your case and explain your legal options – at no cost to you.
Call (805) 962-2022 to learn more today.
We are ready to help you move forward and hold the responsible parties accountable.