Across many cities throughout Southern California, a new type of electric vehicle has started to take over the streets. Teenagers are now seen ripping through city streets on electric motorcycles (e-motos), SurRon’s, or Talaria’s. They are popular electric dirt bike brands that gained attention for their durable design, long battery range, and strong motors. They look like modified electric bicycles (e-bikes), but are illegal to ride on public roads or sidewalks. Unlike regular e-bikes, these powerful bikes can reach speeds of up to 60 mph and don’t meet California safety requirements or any of the electric bike classes.
Although these powerful electric dirt bikes may seem fun and convenient, most of the riders are teens who ride them recklessly, speeding through lanes, cutting across sidewalks, and driving without helmets or registration. This illegal behavior not only puts the riders life at risk, but also the others around them, like pedestrians and drivers who share the road with them.
Under California law, an electric bicycle must have pedals and a motor no stronger than 750 watts, with a limited top speed. All riders on e-bikes are also required to wear a helmet for safety. There are three different classification categories when it comes to e-bikes. Class one and two category e-bikes must have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, while Class three e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph. El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers state: if a bike uses a throttle, has more power, or can go faster than the legal limit, it’s no longer an e-bike and is a motor vehicle that requires registration, insurance, and a license. In 2024, the state passed SB 1271, a new law effective Jan. 2025, that clearly separates e-bikes from high-speed motorized bikes. Another law, AB 1774, bans modification kits that make e-bikes faster than allowed.
Even with these laws set in place, enforcement remains challenging. In Southern California cities, riders continue to treat these dangerous e-motos like toys rather than a vehicle to get around. Many reports of e-motos speeding through neighborhoods or zipping past red lights have become more common. The Arcadia Police Department has already launched new safety rules posted on their Instagram page and stricter patrols to control illegal e-bike use. Their posts explain that popular models like SurRon and Talaria are not considered e-bicycles under California Vehicle Code 312.5 and cannot be ridden on streets or sidewalks without proper registration or a motorcycle license.
Cities like Irvine have already been more strict and started cracking down on these illegal e-motos. A post on the Irvine Police Department Instagram page shows that they impounded a Talaria electric dirt bike due to reckless activity.
To fix this problem, cities need to take action and strictly enforce these rules. Police departments should continue enforcing the law, and educate the public about a legal e-bike and an illegal e-moto. Parents also have a responsibility to monitor their children, keep them away from riding illegal bikes, and teach them about the dangers of high speeds and reckless driving. Riders need to take responsibility and understand that high speed and reckless driving is very dangerous. If more people know the rules, fewer accidents will happen and Southern California’s streets can stay safer for everyone.
Riders need to take responsibility and understand that high speed and reckless driving is very dangerous. If more people know the rules, fewer accidents will happen and Southern California’s streets can stay safer for everyone.
