Orange County prosecutors have filed child endangerment charges against five additional parents accused of allowing their children to ride electric motorcycles illegally, officials announced Wednesday.
Five new cases filed in Orange County
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced the filing of five new child endangerment charges against parents whose children were involved in crashes while riding e-motorcycles. The cases include allegations that parents permitted children under 16 to operate vehicles exceeding legal power limits. One father faces charges after his 11-year-old son suffered a broken bone and an aortic bleed in a collision with a pickup truck. Another mother is charged after her 9-year-old child, capable of speeds over 47 mph, was struck by a truck while riding an e-motorcycle. A third case involves an adult brother charged with allowing his 15-year-old sibling to flee from police at 40 mph, leading to a pursuit and subsequent crash.
Ongoing enforcement follows earlier charges
The new filings bring the total number of parents charged in Orange County this year to 17, according to Spitzer’s office. The cases follow earlier charges against 12 parents in May, including the parents of 13-year-old Benson Nguyen, who died in May after losing control of his e-motorcycle at over 40 mph in Garden Grove. Prosecutors allege Nguyen’s parents posted videos of his risky stunts on TikTok before the crash.
Legal and safety concerns drive prosecutions
California law prohibits children under 16 from riding e-motorcycles, which are classified as motor vehicles with higher-powered motors than electric bikes. E-motorcycles capable of speeds over 28 mph are considered motorcycles under state law and require a driver’s license. Prosecutors argue that allowing minors to operate these vehicles constitutes child endangerment, comparing it to providing a child with a firearm without supervision. Spitzer stated that the charges aim to hold parents accountable and deter further incidents. “We have to understand that when you break the law, especially as serious as this is, there have to be consequences,” Spitzer said.
Rising injuries and fatalities linked to e-motorcycles
Orange County officials report that e-bikes and e-motorcycles are now the leading cause of juvenile emergency room visits in the county. Across the U.S., prosecutors and safety advocates cite more than 125 deaths and tens of thousands of injuries attributed to these vehicles. The cases highlight concerns over social media influence, with some children posting videos of dangerous stunts before crashes. Prosecutors allege that parents facilitated or ignored these activities, contributing to unsafe conditions.
Parents face varying legal consequences
The charges range from misdemeanor to felony counts of child endangerment, with potential penalties including jail time and fines. One parent faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail if convicted, while another could face up to six years if convicted on felony charges. Prosecutors emphasize that the cases are not punitive but intended to prevent future harm. Spitzer stated, “I am a human being. I’ve raised two kids. I don’t want to prosecute parents, but we have to send a message to save other kids’ lives.”