SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Local law enforcement agencies say a growing number of children are riding high-speed e-bikes and even electric motorcycles on city streets, raising serious safety concerns.
In a joint press conference Monday morning, San Diego police, the Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol and several city leaders announced a regional push to raise awareness about the risks.
Authorities reported 82 e-bike crashes in San Diego County over the past year — 78 of those incidents resulted in injuries. Police say most of them involving children ages 11 to 17.
Police say many of the vehicles being used are not true e-bikes but off-road motorcycles that aren’t street legal.
“Recently there is an increasing number of e-motorcycles being ridden illegally on our streets, particularly by young drivers,” one official said.
San Diego police traffic officer Nicholas Tamagni said the speeds involved make the crashes especially dangerous.
“It’s crazy to think you can go 46 to 50 miles an hour as an 11-year-old child on our roadways,” Tamagni said. “Now we are seeing children getting seriously injured.”
Law enforcement agencies said they are not only stepping up education efforts but also considering enforcement actions, which could lead to legal consequences for underage riders breaking the law, including a delay in getting their drivers license.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
