1 killed in e-bike crash in El Monte amid growing safety concerns

EL MONTE, Calif. () — One person was killed in a crash that may have involved an e-bike in El Monte overnight, and it comes amid growing safety concerns over the bikes.

The incident happened around 10:30 p.m. Monday near the intersection of Richwood Avenue and Bryant Road, according to the El Monte Police Department.

When officers arrived, they found an e-bike near the victim. That person, whose age and gender has not been released, died at the scene.

Investigators remained at the scene Tuesday morning as they worked to figure out how the deadly incident unfolded.

No arrests have been made.

It comes after dozens of citations were issued over the the weekend to teenagers and their parents following what the LAPD and Mayor Karen Bass called an e-bike takeover on the 6th Street Bridge in downtown Los Angeles.

“I have seen the mini bikes in South L.A. and other parts of the city, and they terrify me,” Mayor Bass said. “Because they’re so small, you can’t see them and there are children riding these bikes. You know they’re made at home, there’s no safety guards, no helmets. There’s… nothing.”

The LAPD told Eyewitness News if your e-bike was impounded over the weekend, they can be picked up by an adult who can provide proof of ownership. However, if any illegal modifications were made to the bike, they will remain impounded.

Some parents who were riding with their children were unclear about the laws surrounding e-bikes.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, there are three types of e-bikes and each must follow certain rules.

Pedal-assist and throttle-assist e-bikes must stay under 20 miles per hour. If you have a class 3 pedal-assist e-bike, you can go up to 28 mph but riders must be at least 16 years old.

Helmets are required, especially for riders under 18. Riders must stay in bike lanes, and if one isn’t available, they must ride as far right as possible and follow all traffic laws.