SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Native legislation enforcement businesses say a rising variety of youngsters are using high-speed e-bikes and even electrical bikes on metropolis streets, elevating critical security considerations.
In a joint press convention Monday morning, San Diego police, the Sheriff’s Division, California Freeway Patrol and a number of other metropolis leaders introduced a regional push to boost consciousness in regards to the dangers.
Authorities reported 82 e-bike crashes in San Diego County over the previous yr — 78 of these incidents resulted in accidents. Police say most of them involving youngsters ages 11 to 17.
Police say lots of the automobiles getting used are usually not true e-bikes however off-road bikes that aren’t road authorized.
“Just lately there may be an rising variety of e-motorcycles being ridden illegally on our streets, significantly by younger drivers,” one official stated.
San Diego police visitors officer Nicholas Tamagni stated the speeds concerned make the crashes particularly harmful.
“It’s loopy to assume you possibly can go 46 to 50 miles an hour as an 11-year-old baby on our roadways,” Tamagni stated. “Now we’re seeing youngsters getting significantly injured.”
Legislation enforcement businesses stated they don’t seem to be solely stepping up training efforts but additionally contemplating enforcement actions, which might result in authorized penalties for underage riders breaking the legislation, together with a delay in getting their drivers license.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This materials is probably not revealed, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.