THESE ARE NOT BICYCLES — THEY ARE ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES!
What’s parked in the bike corrals at our local middle schools are not ordinary bicycles. They are high-powered electric motorcycles—“E-Motos”—capable of dangerous speeds and instant throttle acceleration. And right now, children as young as 11 to 13 are riding them at full speed on our sidewalks and park paths throughout Danville. This is not a minor concern—it is an immediate and growing threat to public safety
Some models — like the Ride1Up Dirtbike, which can reach speeds of 35 mph, and the Mantis Dirtbike, capable of 54 mph — are not just unsafe for young riders, they are also non-compliant with California law. These vehicles require DMV registration, proof of insurance, a valid driver’s license, and proper safety equipment. Without those, operating them on public roads or trails is illegal. "40 Powerful Comments from Danville Residents - A Must Read for Every Parent Considering an Electric Motorcycles ("E-Moto") for Their Child"(PDF)
Yet every day, unlicensed and uninsured children are riding these machines in our neighborhoods, downtown and near our schools — at speeds faster than most cars in a school zone — without proper training, supervision, or legal authority. They lack the physical and cognitive maturity to manage such dangerous vehicles safely.
This is not a harmless trend. It is a public safety emergency. We urge parents, school leaders, and local officials to act now before more children are seriously hurt. Photo Gallery of 20 Electric Motorcycles E-Motos (PDF)