Three juveniles were cited and their electric motorcycles were towed after Folsom police conducted a targeted enforcement operation near Prospector Park in response to community complaints about dangerous riding.
The Folsom Police Department said the operation took place Sept. 10 after officers received several complaints involving the operation of e-motorcycles in and around the park.
Members of the department’s Problem Oriented Policing Team conducted surveillance and enforcement in the area with assistance from the Criminal Investigations Division, Traffic Team and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Team.
During the operation, officers contacted three juveniles who police said were illegally operating e-motorcycles. All three were issued citations, and police had each of the motorcycles towed.
One of the juveniles fled from officers during the enforcement effort, according to police. Officers later located the juvenile at a nearby residence with assistance from a police drone operator. That juvenile was subsequently cited for criminal and traffic violations.
Police also contacted the parents of the juveniles and reviewed California laws governing the operation of e-motorcycles. According to the department, parents were advised that knowingly allowing a child to unlawfully operate an e-motorcycle could result in criminal and civil liability under California law.
The incident comes as Folsom officials continue to address growing concerns surrounding electric motorcycles, e-bikes and other electric conveyances being operated on city streets, trails and in public areas.
Folsom police have previously reported a sharp increase in calls involving e-bikes and similar electric conveyances, along with an increase in collisions. The issue has prompted increased education and enforcement efforts by police as well as proposed regulations considered by the Folsom City Council.
Police emphasized that e-motorcycles are different from bicycles and legal classes of e-bikes. E-motorcycles must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, riders are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet, and the motorcycles cannot legally be operated on city trails. For street use, they must be properly registered and display a valid license plate.
The department urged parents to understand how a particular electric vehicle is classified under California law before purchasing one for a child or allowing a juvenile to operate it.
The Sept. 10 enforcement action is the latest example of Folsom police focusing resources on complaints involving electric motorcycles and other high-powered electric conveyances as their popularity among younger riders continues to grow.
More information regarding e-scooters and electric conveyances is available through the Folsom Police Department’s youth programs section on the City of Folsom website.
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