A 14-year-old boy who died after an e-bike collision with a Tesla in Pacific Beach has been identified as Owen Harris, an eighth-grade student at Pacific Beach Middle School.
The crash happened around 9:20 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Balboa Avenue and Olney Street, according to San Diego police.
Police said Harris was riding a Zooz e-bike north on Olney Street when he entered the intersection against a red traffic signal. A 38-year-old man driving a 2023 Tesla Model 3 westbound on Balboa Avenue struck him.
The driver remained at the scene and called for emergency medical assistance. Harris was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police said alcohol was not a factor in the collision.
The San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Unit is investigating the crash. No charges have been filed against the driver at this time. Authorities have asked anyone with information about the collision to contact investigators or San Diego County Crime Stoppers.
Pacific Beach Middle School Community Mourns Student
News of Harris’ death was shared with families at Pacific Beach Middle School, where he was an eighth-grade student.
School officials said counselors would be available on campus to support students, staff and parents as the school community deals with the loss. Families were also encouraged to give children opportunities to talk about their feelings and to be honest when they do not have answers to difficult questions.
The school asked families to respect Harris’ family and their privacy during the grieving process.
E-Bike Safety Draws Renewed Attention
The fatal crash comes as San Diego County officials are taking a closer look at the growing number of high-powered electric two-wheelers being sold or marketed as e-bikes.
A proposal from Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer calls for county officials to investigate manufacturers, distributors, retailers and online platforms that may be selling electric motorcycles as e-bikes. The proposal is aimed at determining whether consumers, particularly families purchasing vehicles for children, are being misled about what they are buying.
The distinction is important under California law. Legal e-bikes are subject to limits on motor power and assisted speed. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, while Class 3 pedal-assist e-bikes can reach 28 mph and have additional operating requirements. Vehicles that exceed the legal limits can fall into different categories, including mopeds or motorcycles.
California lawmakers have also moved legislation aimed at preventing electric vehicles that do not meet the legal definition of an e-bike from being marketed and sold as e-bikes. SB 1167 passed the Legislature in August and was sent to the governor.
San Diego officials have previously warned families about the difference between legal e-bikes and high-powered electric motorcycles. Police have urged riders to obey traffic signals, ride in permitted areas and follow the same traffic laws that apply to other roadway users.
For riders who regularly travel through Pacific Beach, the crash has added another reminder of the risks that can arise at busy intersections.
But for the students, teachers and families who knew Harris, the immediate focus is on remembering a young member of their school community and supporting those affected by his death.
