Two high school students in Orange County were seriously injured when a single-person e-bike they were riding together crashed into a brick wall Tuesday afternoon.

The unidentified students from Brea Canyon High School were riding on the State College Boulevard sidewalk near Avocado Street around 2:15 p.m. when their handlebar clipped a tree and they were sent into the wall, the Brea Police Department stated.

Neither of the riders was wearing a helmet and they were believed to be traveling at a high rate of speed, police said.

Good Samaritans were the first to find the two injured riders and were providing medical aid when officers arrived.

“The rider suffered significant, life-threatening injuries. The passenger also
suffered major injuries. Both were taken to a local trauma center for treatment,” police said.

No further details regarding the injuries were provided but the Brea Olinda Unified School District stated that counselors and staff will be offered as support to the students and their families as they recover.

Brea police also extended “their thoughts and support to the family and friends of the injured.” Police also said they were grateful for the passers-by who stopped to help the riders.

“This incident highlights the dangers of e-bike collisions and the importance of safe riding practices, such as riding in designated areas and wearing helmets,” police said.

The city of Brea recently enacted an ordinance prohibiting the riding of e-bikes on sidewalks, riding in an unsafe manner and carrying passengers on e-bikes designed for single riders.