US authorities are increasing their focus on illegal e-motorcycles, e-scooters, and e-mopeds, which are often modified to reach speeds exceeding those permitted for legal electric bicycles. These vehicles, frequently marketed as ebikes despite exceeding regulations, have been linked to dangerous incidents and fatal crashes, particularly involving teenagers.
In May, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer established a specialised unit to target both juveniles and adults, including parents who knowingly allow their children to ride illegal e-motorcycles. This action followed earlier charges against parents after crashes, including one where a teenager on an e-motorcycle fatally struck a pedestrian. In another instance, a father was charged for modifying his 12-year-old son's e-motorcycle to reach 60mph; the boy later sustained serious injuries after running a red light.
Beyond California, New Jersey has enacted a law mandating registration, a license, and in some cases, insurance for ebike riders. Similar legislation is in place in other states and has been proposed in California and New York.