This fall, IUSD students who planned on parking their e-vehicles on campus had to fulfill one requirement: attending motor officer Jason Scheafer’s safety presentation. 

The partnership between the district and the Irvine Police Department is a form of preventive law enforcement aiming to educate students and reduce e-bike violations. Along with the presentation series, for which Scheafer developed the curriculum, IPD is working on an e-bike rodeo for students to practice safe riding.

“They deserve to know the truth about what the laws are and what the expectations are, and to be respectful of,” Scheafer said. “It’s not children that I’m talking to, it’s intelligent young people that you know are able to make good decisions.” 

With their speed and accessibility, e-bikes rose to popularity in the late 2010s with lowered manufacturing costs. However, their high speeds have also led to accidents. There were almost no e-bike collisions in Irvine in 2019, but that number rose to almost 30 in 2022, according to IPD data. Bicycle collisions involving juveniles rose from 22 to 49 per year over the same time period. Irvine responded by approving an e-bike ordinance setting a speed limit of 28 miles per hour on streets and requiring e-bikers to yield to pedestrians.

“I was surprised by how many people misuse their e-bikes and ride them irresponsibly,” sophomore Rhea Majmudar said. “The lecture teaches everyone how to ride safely, which is a lesson some people do need to learn about—especially new e-bikers.”

Scheafer’s programs continue to focus on learning rather than punishment, with first-time violators being offered additional safety classes instead of fines. He hopes increased compliance will create a “positive image for e-bikers” that could otherwise lead to stricter laws or bans.

 “This is what I love about my job,” Scheafer said. “Being able to help people, not just in a traditional police sense, but by giving young people a voice and helping them stay safe.”