One Southern California city’s authorities have reported that a group of youths riding electric bikes have been terrorizing the neighborhood and even shooting individuals with airsoft weapons.
In a July 18th social media post, the Lake Forest station of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department asked parents for their assistance. They said that summer is all about having a good time, but when the good times become dangerous, they are forced to step in.
Teens have been reported to be attacking clients and businesses with airsoft guns and vandalizing property while riding e-bikes and electric motorcycles dangerously near Foothill Ranch Towne Centre, according to deputies.
Bicycles with fully functional pedals and electric motors rated at less than 750 watts are known as “e-bikes” according to the California vehicle code.
In a statement, authorities reminded everyone that electric bikes like Talaria, Sur-ron, RAWR Mantis, 79 Bike, Stark, and so on are not permitted to ride on public roads and are only meant for off-road usage. Law enforcement will treat any illegal activity with the seriousness it deserves and will keep working to educate the public and enforce regulations to prevent the use of e-motorcycles and e-bikes that pose safety risks.
Over the summer, there was an uptick in incidents involving electric bike accidents involving teenagers in Southern California.
Officials at Huntington Beach claimed that a number of additional limitations on their usage were imposed in May in response to an uptick in complaints and injuries, prompting the Lake Forest warning.
Several South Bay locals have videotaped gangs of teenagers riding electric bikes as they yell obscenities, hurl fireworks, and race down the beach strand.
There have been reports of physical attacks in the Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach areas.
According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, over 115 tickets for e-bike violations have been issued to adults and minors so far this year. This persists despite the fact that in September, the municipal council authorized tougher enforcement measures and increased penalties.
A trio of felony charges were filed by El Segundo police in May about juveniles on e-bikes who threw fireworks at a service animal and a vehicle and started a vegetation fire on Pacific Coast Highway.
