Central Marin police issue warning on e-motorcycles

Central Marin police are sounding the alarm over mounting evidence of youths illegally operating electric motorcycles.

Different from electric bicycles, which also have been flagged by authorities across Marin for safety reasons, e-motorcycles are being purchased by parents who mistakenly believe they are e-bikes, police said.

In the past three months there has been a large increase in minors illegally riding the electric motorcycles, Central Marin police Chief Michael Norton said.

A public education effort is underway geared toward parents to help the public understand the difference between the two electric devices. Norton said the department has issued a number of citations and towed some vehicles. The number of citations issued was not immediately available. Criminal enforcement action has not been taken, Norton said.

“We decided to put out the education, instead of continuing to tow the bikes,” Norton said. “I wanted to reach the parents because I think there were some mistakes among the community about clearly identifying these motorcycles.”

Electric motorcycles are essentially a regular street or off-road motorcycle, powered by an electric rather than gas-powered motor. A key difference is that motorcycles have foot pegs instead of operational pedals.

Norton said that in order for motorcycles to be considered “street legal,” they must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, have state issued license plates and have required lighting. All riders must be at least 16, possess a valid California driver’s license with a M1 or M2 designation, have insurance and wear a certified motorcycle helmet.

Electric motorcycles are not allowed in bicycle lanes, on sidewalks, in parks or on multiuse paths.

San Anselmo Mayor Eileen Burke said she rides an electric bicycle herself. She said she has seen public safety issues arise from use by youths.

“We have had tons of reports,” she said. “Just the other day, I saw three middle school kids doing full wheelies at the Hub. … I wasn’t like, ‘Hey get off my lawn,’ but this is really dangerous.”

Burke said there appears to be consensus among cities and towns that statewide legislation should further regulate electric vehicles that appear to blur the line between motorcycle and bicycle.

In Corte Madera, Mayor Eli Beckman said using electric vehicles is, in the larger scheme of things, a net positive. But minors operating vehicles that they don’t have proper training or endorsement to use amounts to a public safety issue.

“I don’t want people to think we are anti-e-bike. It’s like any piece of technology — you want to use it safely,” he said.