A group of e-motorcycle riders was driving recklessly on the streets of California until the police tracked them down with a drone, starting a pursuit.
The Folsom Police Department conducted targeted enforcement on Sept. 25 after residents complained about reckless riding. Officers responded and attempted to stop a group of riders on illegal e-motorcycles.
Instead of stopping, the group of riders fled at the sight of police. Folsom police say they used a drone to help officers keep track of where the group was heading.
The drone footage was released and shows the group riding in the middle of the road, performing wheelies, and riding off-road as they tried to get away from officers.
One Rider Found
The pursuit came to an end after police were able to only catch one of the e-motorcycle riders.
The suspect was identified as a juvenile by Folsom police, and the e-motorcycle was impounded following the stop. Folsom police say they contacted the rider’s parents, who came to the scene and took custody of their child.
Police did not release the juvenile’s age. The department also did not provide the ages of the others who fled.
Others Were Not Caught
While officers were able to identify and stop one of the riders, the rest managed to get away.
Folsom Police said officers are working with law enforcement partners to identify the remaining riders involved in the incident.
The department said they stopped several Class 2 e-bike riders during the enforcement operation for minor traffic violations. Those riders were given education and warnings.
The Rules
Folsom’s website breaks down the rules for e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motorcycles, and the categories are not interchangeable.
According to the city, an e-motorcycle is a self-propelled vehicle without pedals that can travel faster than 30 mph. E-motorcycles must be registered with the California DMV, and riders need a California driver’s license with an M1 or M2 endorsement and insurance to ride one on the street.
E-motorcycles also cannot be ridden on trails, bike lanes, or sidewalks. Riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet, regardless of their age.
The city warns that some e-motorcycles are designed specifically for off-road use and may not have the equipment needed for street use, such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, reflectors, or a horn. Those vehicles cannot simply be made into legal e-bikes by adding pedals after the fact.
Folsom also notes that violating California Vehicle Code requirements for e-motorcycles can result in the vehicle being towed or impounded.
The juvenile in this case was cited for the alleged violations and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.