Parents Face Criminal Charges as E-Moto Accidents Involving Minors Surge
Authorities are prosecuting parents after children are injured or killed in electric motorcycle crashes. Learn about the legal crackdown on illegal riding.
POLICY WIRE — Orange County, USA — A rising number of parents are facing criminal prosecution as authorities hold them accountable for serious accidents involving their children on electric motorcycles.
Social media platforms have become a hub for videos depicting groups of minors operating e-motos illegally, frequently engaging in hazardous stunts on high-traffic roadways.
California law prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from operating e-motos, which are distinguished by motors significantly more powerful than those found on standard electric bicycles.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has launched an aggressive enforcement effort this year, filing charges against 12 parents accused of permitting their children to ride these vehicles unlawfully.
The legal action includes the parents of 13-year-old Benson Nguyen, who had previously shared videos on TikTok showcasing his dangerous riding maneuvers.
In May, authorities reported that Nguyen was operating an e-moto at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour in Garden Grove when he lost control and struck a light pole. The teenager later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, leading to child endangerment charges against his parents.
Spitzer emphasized that while he does not relish the prospect of prosecuting parents, he views it as a necessary step to ensure public safety. “I am a human being. I’ve raised two kids,” Spitzer said. “We have to understand that when you break the law, especially as serious as this is, there has to be consequences.”
Data from the Orange County District Attorney’s office indicates that e-bikes and e-motos have been linked to more than 125 fatalities and tens of thousands of injuries nationwide. Within Orange County, these vehicles have become the primary driver of emergency room visits for juveniles.
Drawing a parallel to firearm safety, Spitzer warned against providing children with dangerous equipment. “You should not furnish your kid a gun not understanding what they might do with that weapon,” Spitzer said. “And you certainly should not furnish a vehicle like an e-bike or an e-motorcycle.”
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
