Orange County cracks down on parents over kids’ illegal e-motorcycle riding

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced charges against five parents for allowing their children to ride electric motorcycles illegally on public streets, according to the Los Angeles Times. The charges include child endangerment related to incidents where children suffered injuries or engaged in dangerous behavior while riding e-motorcycles.

One case involved a father whose 11-year-old son was seriously injured in a crash with a pickup truck while riding a 1,200-watt e-motorcycle, exceeding California's 750-watt limit for e-bicycles. The father faces up to one year in county jail if convicted, the Times reported.

Another parent was charged after her 9-year-old son, who was speeding on an e-motorcycle capable of over 47 mph, was hit by a pickup truck. Prosecutors noted the child had posted videos of performing wheelies on residential streets and had previously been involved in a crash. The mother faces felony child endangerment charges and could receive up to six years in state prison.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office, as discussed by attorney Rachel Fiset on CBS News Los Angeles, is emphasizing holding parents accountable to reduce e-motorcycle deaths and injuries among teens. The crackdown aims to deter parents from allowing illegal and unsafe use of e-motorcycles by minors.

District Attorney Spitzer expressed reluctance to prosecute parents but stated that enforcement is necessary when parents fail to set boundaries for their children’s safety on the roads.