Due to frequent accidents involving minors on high-speed electric bicycles and motorcycles, California is pushing for stricter regulatory measures and holding parents accountable: a teenager may face criminal charges in a situation where his mother may be held responsible for allowing him to ride an illicit electric motorcycle to evade police pursuit, while another mother faces felony charges of “involuntary manslaughter” as her son riding an electric motorcycle was involved in a fatal accident.
California has strict classification criteria for two-wheeled electric vehicles, with only two-wheelers meeting the statutory speed limits being classified as “electric bicycles” (e-bikes).
Some high-powered electric vehicles, whether throttle-assisted (with handlebar or button controls) exceeding 20 miles per hour or pedal-assist only but capable of exceeding 28 miles per hour, are no longer classified as electric bicycles under the law, but rather as light mopeds/motorized bicycles or electric motorcycles; operators must be at least 16 years old and hold an M1 or M2 motorcycle license.
Additionally, California law prohibits minors under 16 from riding “Class 3” electric bicycles, which are equipped with only pedal assistance and have a top speed between 20-28 miles per hour.
Despite clear regulations, minors still violate the law. Newport Beach police in Orange County reported last Friday (May 29) that they attempted to stop a minor riding an illegal electric motorcycle on the 9th, but the person refused to stop, drove at high speed into oncoming traffic lanes, ran red lights to evade police pursuit.
Based on the minor’s prior records involving illegal electric motorcycles, the police identified his identity. On May 19, a search warrant was executed by the police, resulting in his arrest and the seizure of a “Surron” electric motorcycle. He was taken to the juvenile detention center and then handed over to his parents.
The police stated: “Based on the minor’s and his parents’ past records, his mother will be referred to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to face further charges.”
Another mother in Orange County is being prosecuted because of a fatal accident involving her underage son. On April 16, a 14-year-old boy, performing stunts on an electric motorcycle, collided with an 81-year-old retired Marine veteran, who succumbed to his injuries two weeks later.
Prosecutors charged the boy’s mother, Tommi Jo Mejer, with manslaughter, child endangerment, and accessory after the fact, alleging that she allowed her son to ride the electric motorcycle despite knowing it was illegal.
Recent accidents involving minors on high-speed electric vehicles have led to multiple casualties.
For instance, a 13-year-old boy in Garden Grove lost control of an electric motorcycle and hit the road divider, resulting in his unfortunate death; while in Simi Valley, a 13-year-old boy riding an electric bicycle collided with a train, leading to his tragic death.
The Camarillo Police Department in Ventura County has long been reminding the community to strictly adhere to road traffic rules, whether riding regular bicycles or electric bicycles. Additionally, it is important to understand the distinction between electric motorcycles and bicycles before use.
The police explained that electric bicycles are two-wheelers equipped with pedals or throttle, with motor power below 750 watts, subdivided into three classes (Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3) based on performance and speed. Except for the aforementioned Class 3, the first two classes are low-speed vehicles not exceeding 20 mph, with Class 1 having pedal assistance only and Class 2 featuring throttle assistance.
Well-known brands like Surron, Talaria, and Segway primarily produce electric motorcycles, not electric bicycles. The police warned: “In legal classification, they are considered motorcycles, so it is strictly prohibited to ride them on public roads, sidewalks, or parks. They can only be legally used in designated off-highway vehicle areas (OHV) and must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (along with special license plates).” ◇