Families and law enforcement say the situation underscores the need for parents to talk with their children about safe riding and the risks associated with e-bikes.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A deadly crash involving an e-motorcycle in Southern California is prompting renewed concerns in Northern California, where families and law enforcement say unsafe riding among kids is becoming more common.

Authorities say an 81-year-old veteran died after being struck by an e-motorcycle ridden by a 14-year-old, a case now drawing attention to how young riders are using electric vehicles on public roads.

“Unfortunately, these tragedies do happen,” said Melinda Garren, a West Sacramento grandmother. “It’s not a first time, unfortunately, it’s probably not gonna be a last time either.” 

Garren said she has witnessed risky behavior firsthand while walking, driving and biking in her community. She shared her concerns publicly to raise awareness.

“I do see youth out there and adults who are on different forms of bicycles and e-bikes, and e-motorcycles with and without proper safety gear, it’s not always following the rules of the road for safe travel,” Garren said. 

The California Highway Patrol said it is also seeing an increase in problems tied to parents buying e-motorcycles for their children, leading to unsafe situations on roadways. Officials say some riders are underage and not wearing helmets.

“They’re trying to make, you know, adult decisions at those high rates of speed, not knowing how to, you know, manage traffic, coming up to stop signs, red lights, or riding on sidewalks, in and out of pedestrians,” said CHP officer Jason Morton. 

Authorities emphasize that e-bikes and e-motorcycles are not the same. E-bikes have pedals and, depending on the class, may be ridden by younger users. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes do not require a driver’s license and can be used by riders under 16. Class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 mph and require a driver’s license.

E-motorcycles, however, do not have pedals and are not legal to operate on public roadways. Officials say they are intended for private property use only.

Regardless of the type of vehicle, CHP says all riders should wear helmets.

The crash has also led to legal consequences. The mother of the teen accused in the deadly incident is now facing involuntary manslaughter charges.

Lawrence Rosenthal, a professor at Chapman University Fowler School of Law, said the case will likely depend on whether prosecutors can prove criminal negligence.

“To use an e-bike that children are not permitted to use in this case, the e-bike at issue is one that can’t be lawfully used by children under the age of 16,” Rosenthal said. “It’s theoretically possible that a prosecutor could establish either that this violation of law, or this failure to adequately supervise the child, could have proximately caused the death of the victim.” 

Rosenthal said the outcome could hinge on what the parent knew and whether there had been prior warnings. If prosecutors show the child was riding illegally and recklessly, he said, it would strengthen the case.

Families and law enforcement say the situation underscores the need for parents to talk with their children about safe riding and the risks associated with e-bikes and e-motorcycles.

“A lot of this comes down to the parents. So, most of these kids will not have these e-motorcycles in their possession if it wasn’t for their parents buying them. So the parents really need to educate themselves on. It’s not that we’re trying to keep the kids from having fun and going outside and getting off the screen time. It’s the bicycle is completely legal and does the exact same thing at a slower rate of speed,” said Morton. 

CHP is sharing the new safety laws for 2025 here. 

You can also find the difference between a motorcycle and a motor-driven cycle here. 

Watch more: Heading to the river? What Sacramento officials want you to know now

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