Orange County prosecutors are investigating over two dozen parents whose children are suspected of illegally riding e-bikes or e-motorcycles.
This move comes amid growing concerns about the safety of these vehicles, especially among juveniles. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this week that they have 26 open investigations that could lead to criminal charges against parents.
Two months ago, the District Attorney’s Office launched a special unit called RIDE SAFELY (Smart Accountability for E-Bikes and E-Motos and Law Enforcement for Youth) to address the issue. The unit, part of the Family Protection Division, aims to ensure consistent charging decisions and sentencing recommendations. District Attorney Todd Spitzer described the situation as a “serious public health crisis,” citing e-bikes and e-motorcycles as the leading cause of emergency room visits for children in the area.
The popularity of these vehicles has led to a spike in crashes, prompting increased scrutiny. According to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Record System, children aged 11 to 14 account for nearly 62% of e-motorcycle crashes, despite state laws prohibiting riders under 16 from operating them. NBC Los Angeles reported that injuries related to e-bikes and e-motorcycles have increased by 430% over the last four years in Southern California.
Currently, there are four active criminal cases involving e-motorcycles. These include charges against an Aliso Viejo mother for involuntary manslaughter and child abuse after her son fatally injured a veteran while riding an e-motorcycle. A Yorba Linda father faces child abuse charges after his son crashed a modified e-motorcycle. ABC7 reported that another parent in Westminster is facing charges for allowing their children to ride illegally.
In response to the growing concerns, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert about the safety laws surrounding e-bikes. Meanwhile, Amazon announced it would stop selling certain high-speed e-bikes in California.
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