Law enforcement agencies across San Diego County are urging increased awareness of local laws and e-bike safety.

Amid a rising trend of teens driving high-speed motorcycles illegally, local law enforcement is raising awareness of e-bike safety.

California law allows Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes to operate on public roadways and bike paths, but high-powered electric motorcycles are not street legal. However, San Diego police have observed several motorcycles used in places where they are not allowed, officers said during a Sept 8 press conference.

Electric motorcycles can only be operated off-road.

The press conference also emphasized growing safety concerns and enforcement challenges surrounding  the illegal and unsafe operation of electric off-highway motorcycles, often marketed or mistaken for e-bikes

These vehicles cannot be registered for street use, lack the required safety equipment and do not meet Department of Motor Vehicles standards for operation on public roads, police said. Riders who operate them in traffic face citations, fines and the impoundment of their vehicles. 

Doctors at the press conference spoke of the rising numbers of severe injuries due to improper use.

“Many of these patients are children and teenagers who suffer broken bones, head trauma and other preventable injuries,” Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego medical director of trauma Vishal Bansal, MD, said in a press release. “One wrong decision on these machines can change a life forever.”

Safety guidelines while on e-bikes include:

• Riding only in bike lanes or on roads and bike paths that allow them. 
• Staying away from sidewalks, businesses and crosswalks, which are for pedestrians only. 
• Riding in the same direction as traffic and using bike lanes when available. 
• Obeying all traffic signs and signals; bicyclists must obey all traffic laws like a motor vehicle.
• No passengers on bikes designed for single riders. 
• Wearing a helmet on Class 1 and 3 bikes if under 18 and on Class 3 bikes for all ages. 

“This is about education, safety, and protecting our communities,” San Diego police Commander Benjamin Kelso said in a press release. “Families need to know the difference between a legal e-bike and [an illegal] high-powered motorcycle. … These vehicles are putting young riders, drivers and pedestrians at risk.”

Visit sandiego.gov/police/bike-safety for more information.