Seal Beach Senior Turns Personal Tragedy into a Call for E‑Motorcycle Safety

When Stephanie Potter stepped off a crosswalk on Ocean Avenue in March, she never imagined the day would end with a shattered tibia, a broken hand, a split nose and a jaw that still refuses to settle. The 72‑year‑old Seal Beach resident was hit by a teenager riding an illegal Surron electric motorcycle just after 5:30 p.m., moments after meeting friends on Main Street.

Police reports from the Seal Beach Police Department confirm the teen escaped injury, but they say nothing about any citations yet. Potter spent two weeks in intensive care, followed by another four weeks in rehabilitation before she could finally swallow and speak without pain. Even now, four months later, she’s still navigating physical therapy and awaits a jaw‑reset surgery slated for next month.

What could have been a private ordeal quickly turned public when Potter decided to share her story. She’s set to address an e‑bike safety luncheon on July 28, hosted by the local Rotary Club, where community leaders and representatives from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office are expected to attend.

Potter’s plea isn’t just about her own recovery; it’s a broader warning. Earlier this year, an 81‑year‑old man named Ed Ashman died after a similar collision in nearby Lake Forest, underscoring a pattern that many say is being overlooked. While the district attorney’s office has been asked whether parents could face charges for allowing minors to operate such vehicles, officials have yet to respond.

“I don’t want anyone else to go through what I’ve endured,” Potter said, her voice cracking slightly as she recalled the night of the crash. “If a simple rule or a little more awareness can keep a family from losing a loved one, it’s worth fighting for.”

As the community listens, Potter hopes her experience will spark conversations about rider age limits, helmet use, and the enforcement of existing e‑motorcycle regulations. For now, she’s focused on healing—one step at a time—while urging city officials to take concrete action before another family is left grieving.