More people including children are riding e-motorcycles designed only for off-highway use. What used to be known as dirt bikes now also come in an electric version. Kids are drawn to the electric dirt bikes but parents need to be aware. These are not street-legal in California; no bike lanes, no sidewalks, no city trails. 

Simply having one even on a sidewalk – the sidewalk counts as a roadway – or on the roadway itself can be an immediate stop, tow and citation. Underage drivers face the same penalties as adults. Off road e-motorcycles are different from e-bikes, which operate under an assist from pedal power. There are no pedals on e-motorcycles. If it does not have pedals it is not a bicycle. E-bikes are faster, too. They can reach speeds of 50 to 60 mph.

San Diego County Sheriffs are seeing more of these e-motorcycles and many drivers appear to be minors. Parents looking into buying an e-bike need to know the difference and understand what they are getting into.

This article is an excerpt of one written in the Encinitas Advocate on Friday, September 19th.