Electric Motorcycles and the Ebike Boom: Separating Fact from Fiction
The rise of electric motorcycles, or e-motorcycles, has sparked concerns about safety and regulation. However, experts argue that the real issue lies in the mis-marketing of these vehicles, which are often labeled as ebikes but exceed speed and power limits.
In recent months, social media has been filled with footage of teens racing down streets, popping wheelies, and weaving around car traffic on electric two-wheeled vehicles. The Los Angeles Times has dubbed them the "new Hells Angels," while other news outlets have referred to them as "motorized menaces" terrorizing communities. However, the reality is far from the sensationalized headlines.
These young adults are riding e-motorcycles, e-scooters, and e-mopeds that have often been illegally built or modified to reach higher speeds than legal and regulated electric bicycles. The proliferation of these vehicles is especially noticeable in fair-weather California, where mostly male riders have made headlines for dangerous antics and fatal crashes.
The media attention and government crackdowns extend beyond the Golden state. In New Jersey, the state legislature has passed a law requiring registration, a license, and insurance for anyone to ride an ebike. Similar laws are already on the books in a few other states, and comparable legislation has been proposed in others, including California and New York.
However, experts argue that the real issue lies in the mis-marketing of these vehicles, which are often labeled as ebikes but exceed speed and power limits. Critics argue that this makes it difficult for consumers to know the difference. In this regulatory wild west, legal ebikes are caught in the crossfire.
## How e-moto's 'legal gray area' threatens ebike boom
The US and dozens of other nations experienced a surge in electric bike sales during the pandemic, as millions of people craved open space and movement in response to stay-at-home orders. People found an alternative travel mode for local errands, school drop-offs, and work commutes, leaving behind the hassles that come with driving.
As components and batteries became cheaper to manufacture, new kinds of two-wheeled vehicles started to enter the market, many from China and often labeled as ebikes. Many of these vehicles had frames much more akin to motorcycles and dirt bikes than traditional bicycles. Another key difference: e-motos can go much faster, allowing riders to hit the same speeds as cars that many riders are too young to drive.
Ebikes are classified under federal law with specifics about their motor power - no more than 750 watts - plus rules about operable pedals to power the motor, and top speeds of 20mph for throttle bikes and 28mph with pedal assist only.
| Ebike Type | Motor Power | Top Speed | | --- | --- | --- | | Throttle Bike | ≤ 750W | 20mph | | Pedal Assist | ≤ 750W | 28mph |
The proliferation of these mis-marketed, cheaply made "junk" vehicles has given real ebikes a bad rap, said Kendra Ramsey, director of the California Bicycle Coalition. Her organization advocates for policies that promote the benefits of riding bikes, including ebikes, and protect riders on the road.
## Rush to meet demand of unregulated vehicles leaves 'big information gap'
The e-moto trend is also putting shops that sell legal ebikes in a bind, said retailer Brett Thurber. He and his wife own the New Wheel, with locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and nearby Larkspur. Thurber said kids and parents call his shops frequently or stop by in person seeking to buy e-motorcycles, which community-based businesses like his don't sell. He uses those opportunities to educate people on the hazards of unregulated vehicles and preach the legal ebike gospel.
Though he's made some converts, Thurber is sure many callers hang up and buy the e-moto they wanted online. As a longtime bike rider, he gets the appeal.
"Kids want freedom. They want something that's cool," Thurber said. "They like doing things that the adults kind of frown on and wag their fingers at."
E-moto retailers have marketed that freedom with cheap, illegal vehicles just a few clicks away on Amazon, Walmart, and other online platforms. A quick Amazon search revealed how easily consumers can purchase an e-moto, even if they're seeking a street-legal ebike.
Typing "ebikes for teens" into Amazon's search bar yielded dozens of vehicles that lack pedals and exceed the battery power of regulated ebikes.
The first sponsored result advertised a 2,000W dirt-bike style "Electric Bike for Adults [and] Teens". The product description read: "Whether you're climbing mountain trails or speeding through city streets, this ebike for adult [sic] delivers thrilling acceleration and reliable climbing power."
Other listings contained similar mixed messaging. One "off-road motorcycle" featured videos of young riders speeding and popping wheelies on public streets, which is illegal on this type of bike that is supposed to be registered in California as an off-highway vehicle.
Amazon had previously announced it would stop selling electric vehicles in California that don’t comply with state laws. Some e-motos advertised on their platform now include a notice that “this item cannot be shipped to your selected address due to local laws or Amazon policy”, before advising would-be buyers to change the shipping address.
Ramsey said that lack of market regulation leaves a "big information gap" for parents, the majority of whom might not knowingly put their children in danger.
"A lot of adults are not in a good position to teach their kids good bicycling skills because they don’t ride bicycles themselves," she said.
Some states and cities are beginning to crack down on these online markets. In April, Rob Bonta, California’s attorney general, issued a consumer alert for "too fast, too furious" electric vehicles.
"Sometimes, what looks like an ebike or is marketed as an ebike is not a bike at all," Bonta said. "Bike riders and parents: if your or your teen’s electric two-wheeled vehicle goes too fast, it might be a motorcycle or a moped - not an ebike."
Earlier this month, New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, sent cease-and-desist letters to 42 retailers who sell illegal two-wheeled electric vehicles that don’t meet the city’s legal requirements for ebikes or scooters.
## Media coverage ignores deadliest threat: cars
Unsurprisingly, as more people hop on both legal and illegal electric vehicles, more people are being hurt or killed. Researchers at UC San Diego analyzed California collision data from law enforcement agencies and found that ebike injuries increased "exponentially" from 2018 to 2024 and were "associated with a higher severity of injuries compared with traditional bicycles".
Researchers noted that far more people are being hurt or killed by cars than by ebikes. The real issue lies in the lack of education and infrastructure for safe ebike riding, rather than the vehicles themselves.
In conclusion, the e-moto trend has sparked concerns about safety and regulation, but the real issue lies in the mis-marketing of these vehicles. Experts argue that the solution lies in better education and infrastructure, rather than adding bureaucratic barriers that will deter people of all ages from riding ebikes.
