To: Elected Reprentatives

Subject: The Rising Danger of Electric Motorcycles “E-Motos” Among Bay Area Youth

The rise of high-speed electric motorcycles known as “e-moto” bikes has created a critical safety crisis among Bay Area youth. We are not talking about low-speed electric bicycles, which both federal and California law limit to a maximum motor power of 750 watts and a top motor-powered speed of 20 miles per hour (pedal-assisted Class 3 electric bicycles can go up to 28 miles per hour).  While they may look somewhat like electric bicycles and be generically referred to as “e-bikes,” these e-motos are capable of throttle-actuated speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour and are legally classified as motorized bicycles, mopeds, or motorcycles requiring vehicle registration and a driver’s license. Yet, they are often marketed as being Class 2 electric bicycles, leading unsuspecting parents to purchase them for young riders.

While Surron and Talaria led the e-moto market, brands like Ariel Rider, Lyric, Onyx, Super73, MacFox, P-51, and Ridstar have followed, increasing safety risks. Unlike legal e-bikes, these high-powered vehicles exceed 750 watts and 20 mph but are deceptively marketed as Class 2 e-bikes. Some brands claim they are off-road dirt bikes due to fat tires, while others limit speeds at the factory, only for riders to easily “unlock” them. Competing to be the fastest, these companies prioritize power over safety, putting young riders and pedestrians at risk.

Use of e-motos is also growing among Bay Area middle schoolers. A survey found in May 2025, found over 200 "E-Motos" at local middle schools. Young riders, unfamiliar with rules of the road, often speed on e-motos through neighborhoods, ignore traffic laws, and dangerously weave through pedestrians on sidewalks and along the Iron Horse Trail, putting everyone at risk.

Injuries among young riders, especially ages 10 to 17, are rising sharply. Bay Area hospitals report a dramatic increase in pediatric e-moto injuries, with some cases tripling since 2021. Children’s Hospital Oakland saw a 218% surge, and John Muir Medical Center treated 86 cases in 2024 alone. Recent crashes include a 17-year-old in Danville and an 11-year-old in San Ramon. However, without tracking e-moto collisions, the full scope of the issue remains unclear.

Urgent action is needed from schools, parents, law enforcement, local governments, and most importantly, elected officials. Legislative action is needed to address the growing presence of e-motos with appropriate laws regulating their advertising, sale and use. Because many e-motos are not lawful to operate on public roads or require a driver’s license to do so, stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws and rider education are also critical to reducing and preventing crashes, injuries and fatalities.

Stronger enforcement of current motor vehicle laws is needed to regulate unregistered e-motos. SB 1271 (2024) clarified that e-motos are not electric bicycles, prohibiting misleading sale, advertising, or labeling as electric bicycles. AB 1744 (2024) bans modifications that turn electric bicycles into e-motos. However, these laws have yet to be enforced against manufacturers or retailers. Officials must hold them accountable to curb this growing safety threat.

Better data and education are critical to reducing crashes. We need clear data on which crashes involve e-motos versus e-bikes to help lawmakers find effective solutions. Parents and kids must understand the difference, and schools should prohibit the on-site parking of these off-road vehicles on their campuses.. Public awareness campaigns must clarify that e-motos are not standard electric bikes and encourage responsible purchases and riding.

Elected leaders cannot wait for more tragedies. The state, and our cities, schools, and families must act now to strengthen safety measures and prevent further harm. This is not just good public policy—it’s a public safety imperative.