On Saturday, five kids around 13 years old were riding illegal e-motorcycles near the Spectrum, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Some were riding recklessly and performing dangerous stunts and wheelies.
Police officers contacted the youths and confirmed that their devices were unlawful. All five e-motos were impounded. Their parents gave them a much slower ride back home to the Great Park area.
Parents, pay attention to where your kids are going, what they are riding, and how they are riding. Your kids know these devices are illegal and follow our social media. These riders hoped we would share this incident.
For the “let kids be kids” crowd, we support the safe operation of legal e-bikes. Allowing a juvenile to operate a device capable of traveling over 80 MPH is reckless and a recipe for disaster.
IPD will continue to enforce bike safety laws and aggressively impound illegal devices daily.
Here’s a summary of the legal and financial consequences for minors and their parents when kids are caught riding illegal e-motorcycles in California, specifically in Irvine:
1. Penalties for Minors
- Device Impoundment: The Irvine Police Department (IPD) routinely impounds illegal e-motorcycles (e-motos), especially those classified as off-road vehicles like Talaria or Sur-Ron, which are not street legal.
- Citations: Minors riding these vehicles may receive citations for operating unregistered, unlicensed motor vehicles on public roads.
- No Criminal Charges (Typically): Unless the incident involves injury, property damage, or reckless endangerment, criminal charges are rare. However, citations can still carry fines and mandatory court appearances.
2. Parental Liability
Under California Vehicle Code §17707, parents who sign a minor’s driver’s license application are jointly and severally liable for any damages caused by the minor while driving.
Even if the child is not licensed, Vehicle Code §17708 can still impose liability if the parent gave express or implied permission to operate the vehicle.
In cases of willful misconduct (e.g., stunts, reckless riding), California Civil Code §1714.1 allows victims to sue parents for up to $25,000 per incident.
3. Insurance Repercussions
- Homeowners Insurance: Often does not cover damages caused by e-motorcycles, especially if they are classified as motor vehicles. This was confirmed in a case where a 14-year-old caused $4,300 in damage and the insurer denied the claim.
- Motor Vehicle Insurance: If the e-moto is not registered or insured separately, parents may have to pay out-of-pocket for any damage or injury caused.
- Civil Lawsuits: Parents may face lawsuits for medical bills, property damage, and other costs if their child injures someone or causes an accident.
4. Irvine Police Department Policy
- IPD is actively enforcing e-vehicle laws and impounding illegal devices daily.
- Riding off-road electric motorcycles on public streets or spaces is strictly prohibited.
- IPD encourages parents to educate themselves and their children about legal e-bike use and safety.
Summary of Parental Risk
Parents face:
- Legal liability for damages or injuries.
- Financial exposure if insurance doesn’t cover the incident.
- Potential lawsuits for negligence or willful misconduct.
- Responsibility to supervise and restrict unsafe or illegal riding behavior.
The post The Irvine Police busted five kids on e-motorcycles and impounded the vehicles first appeared on New Santa Ana.