By Uy Pham
Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) announced that students would need to obtain an e-bike permit to ride an e-bike to their school’s campus. The program was launched with the Ocean View and Huntington Beach City School Districts in partnership with the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD).
The California Vehicle Code defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. This includes three classes of electric bicycles, which vary in motor function, capability and potential speed.
“We just want kids to be safe,” FVHS Principal Paul Lopez said to the Daily Pilot in August. “You see [e-bikes] zipping around all over Huntington Beach. The traffic that we get out front [of the school on Bushard Street] — there’s just a lot of it, so trying to make sure we keep those kids safe is a top priority for us.”
The permit is to be distributed by each school site. However, Baron Banner was unable to locate any e-bike permit policy on the Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) or FVHS Supervision website.
Baron Banner did obtain the current bike policy from the Supervision Office, which covers certain restrictions for all bikes, including e-bikes. The policy is also available in the Parent Student Handbook.
The policy requires all students to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. No bicycles may be used on campus; all bicycles must be walked on campus sidewalks, meaning that bikes must be walked to the bike racks and through the parking lot. Bicycles cannot enter the central campus, service roads and athletic courts.
Additionally, the policy specifies that FVHS is not liable for any lost or stolen bikes. Bikes should be locked and any overnight storage is done at the student’s own risk.
Other HBUHSD school sites’ e-bike permit
Edison High School requires its students to watch a video from the Huntington Beach Police Department and answer 28 of 33 questions correctly in a quiz. The permit, including the video and quiz, covers various bike-related laws, including right of way, safety measures and speed limits. Afterward, students may obtain an e-bike permit from the school’s supervision office.
Ocean View High School hosts a Canvas course for students to complete various videos and quizzes in preparation for an e-bike permit application.
Baron Banner was unable to locate if Westminster, Marina and Huntington Beach High Schools had e-bike permit applications for their students.
Student thoughts
Baron Banner surveyed some students who use e-bikes to get to school about their thoughts on potential requirements to obtain an e-bike permit.
Some students would not mind the requirement for an e-bike permit application.
“I don’t think it really matters because I’ve rarely heard of any e-bike accidents around campus,” junior Adam Singer said. “If people think it will make the school safer then sure, why not.”
Other students point out that the information regarding e-bike safety would be important but should not necessarily be provided through a permit process.
“[The] administration would spend a lot more time having to check for people’s permits. For people biking to school it already takes them longer to get to school, getting stopped for every time you get to school would just not be efficient,” sophomore Bokei Tong said. “I do not think a quiz and needing a permit would be necessary. I think information about e-bikes should be accessible but not necessary.”
However, the overall goal of the program is to continue to improve and maintain the safety of students districtwide.
“We are excited to collaborate with our local school districts to introduce this vital safety initiative,” HBPD Chief Eric Parra said in a statement to the Surf City Break. “By equipping young riders with essential skills and knowledge, we aim to ensure their safety while promoting responsible riding habits. This program exemplifies our commitment to fostering a safer community and empowering our youth to make informed decisions on the road.”
At the time of publication, FVHS Assistant Principal of Supervision Elliot Skolnick did not respond to requests for comment regarding FVHS’ e-bike permit.
