WATSONVILLE >> The Santa Cruz-area California Highway Patrol office identified Robert Rieber, 78, of Soquel as the man killed in an electric bike crash outside of Watsonville Wednesday afternoon.

According to CHP officers, Rieber was riding a Specialized Level Three e-bike eastbound on Manfre Road, east of Larkin Valley Road off Highway 1 at a rate of speed not yet determined. Rieber went off the roadway and crashed into a dirt embankment south of Manfre Road.

Officers responded to the crash at approximately 1:32 p.m., and Rieber was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. Several factors, including what caused the bike to go off the road and whether drugs or alcohol played a role, are currently under investigation by the CHP.

Capt. Jason Grimm, commander of the Santa Cruz CHP office, wrote in a news release that cyclists are subject to the same traffic regulations as motorists, including obeying traffic signals, operating at safe speeds for roadway conditions, yielding the right of way and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

“Compliance with these laws is essential in reducing the number of collisions,” officials wrote. “The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of safety, service, and security.”

With e-bikes having a higher rate of acceleration than traditional bikes, there are precautions riders are advised to take to safely operate e-bikes, including practicing on roads with bike lanes or less traffic, wearing bright or reflective clothing, avoiding any distractions, always wearing helmets and taking e-bike training courses before operating. The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency has additional tips at SantaCruzHealth.org.