A late-night ride in Oceanside turned into a life-or-death emergency early Wednesday when officers on routine patrol found a 52-year-old man lying in the roadway with severe injuries, police said. The man, who had been riding an electric bicycle, was discovered at about 12:11 AM near Coast Highway and Seagaze Drive with significant head and upper-body trauma.
Paramedics rushed him to Scripps La Jolla for emergency treatment, where he remains in critical condition, according to Oceanside police.
Local coverage of the department’s early advisory noted that the case has been turned over to the Traffic Safety Unit and that investigators are still trying to figure out what exactly happened. Patch reported that it is not yet clear whether any other person or vehicle was involved and said officers are asking anyone with information to contact Traffic Investigator Kevin Lissner at 760-435-4651.
Investigation underway
In a news release, the Oceanside Police Department said its Traffic Safety Unit is handling the ongoing investigation and described the case as active. Detectives are reviewing evidence and working to track down any witnesses or video from the area around the time of the incident.
Investigators are particularly interested in dashcam, doorbell, or security footage from the stretch of Coast Highway near Seagaze Drive around midnight. Even clips that do not appear dramatic at first glance could help them piece together the rider’s final movements before he was found in the road.
E-bike safety and local policy
The serious injury comes as Oceanside tries to get a handle on e-bike safety after a steep rise in complaints and close calls. KPBS reported that calls for e-bike-related service jumped from 69 in 2021 to 918 in 2025, a surge that has frustrated residents and city officials alike.
Responding to that wave, the City Council recently approved tougher rules that give officers more tools to crack down on risky riding. As the temporary seizure authority was detailed, police can now temporarily seize e-bikes from riders deemed unsafe, and the city has banned double-riding on bicycles without proper passenger seats, per Hoodline.
While officials have not linked Wednesday’s incident to any specific violation, the case underscores why e-bike use has become such a hot-button topic on local streets.
How to help investigators
Police are asking anyone who saw the injured rider, witnessed the incident, or has relevant video from the area to contact Traffic Investigator Kevin Lissner at 760-435-4651.
You can read the full written statement from the Oceanside Police Department for additional details and contact information.
Oceanside Police Department Investigates Serious E-Bike Incident.
— Oceanside Police (@OceansidePD) February 11, 2026
PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/BzeM2tMpQb pic.twitter.com/fEX78rnq09
