Police Crack Down on Teens Using High-Powered Electric Motorbikes in LA

Electric motorbikes like those from brands such as Sur Ron and Talaria are becoming popular among teens, especially for their speed and power. But these bikes are often mistaken for legal electric bicycles, even though they’re much more powerful and faster.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department (MBPD) in Los Angeles County has been dealing with an increase in teens riding these high-performance bikes, which are illegal on public roads, as per a report by electrek.

The problem is that these motorbikes can reach speeds twice as fast as normal electric bikes and have five times the power. They don’t have pedals, making them more like light dirt bikes than bicycles. The MBPD recently warned parents to make sure their kids are using these bikes legally, or else they might end up with their bikes towed away.

According to the MBPD, bikes like Talaria and Sur Ron aren’t allowed on city streets, bike paths, or sidewalks. The department pointed out that several teens have had their bikes towed after getting caught riding them where they shouldn’t be.

The message was clear—these high-power electric bikes need proper registration, and riding them without it could result in fines or confiscation.

California recently passed new laws to better define what qualifies as an electric bike, making it clear that these motorbikes don’t meet the standards for street or bike path use. Unfortunately, many teens don’t realize these bikes are illegal on public roads, and it’s leading to more tickets, fines, and towed bikes.

The police and local watchdogs have raised concerns about safety, accidents, and traffic violations. As these powerful bikes grow in popularity, there’s a greater push to educate young riders and their parents about the rules.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!