Did you hear? Teens have gone wild on e-bikes.
Shocking, I know.
Jokes aside, this isn’t just a click-worthy headline — it’s something that recently happened right here in Moraga and Lafayette.
What Happened: Teens Flee Police on E-Bikes in Lamorinda
In January 2026, a group of teenagers in Moraga and Lafayette were riding Class 3 e-bikes without licenses and led police on a chase through Lamorinda.
According to News24/680, Moraga Police attempted to stop four youths riding electric motorcycles/e-bikes recklessly near Moraga Commons Park. Instead of pulling over, the teens fled, ran red lights, and rode against traffic. Police arrested one 15-year-old and later released him to his parents.
This Isn’t an Isolated Incident
What surprised me wasn’t the coverage this particular incident received — it was how many similar stories turned up instead.
Search for ‘teens’ and ‘e-bikes’ and you’ll find plenty of headlines involving police chases, crashes, and arrests. The Moraga and Lafayette incident is part of a growing trend of young riders getting into serious trouble on high-powered electric bikes.
E-Bike Injuries Are Rising in the East Bay
And if police chases aren’t concerning enough, the injury data paints an even clearer picture.
John Muir’s Trauma Center in Walnut Creek has reported a growing number of emergency room visits related to e-bike and e-scooter injuries. In a December 2025 press release titled “…Treating Double the Number of Injuries to E-Bike and E-Scooter Riders Compared to Previous Year,” the hospital noted that it is treating double the number of injured riders — as well as pedestrians struck by these riders — compared to the prior year.
A Parent’s Perspective on Teens and E-Bikes
Let me level with you: Parenting is hard.
As a parent of two toddlers, I regularly find myself apologizing on behalf of my kids for throwing and swiping things, or spreading germs in the most obvious and unpleasant way possible (parents, you know exactly what I mean). All we can really do is try to instill good habits, basic safety awareness, and a little common sense — and hope it sticks as they get older.
Practical Advice for Parents of Teen E-Bike Riders
So here’s my short, practical advice when it comes to teens and e-bikes. Nothing dramatic — just the basics.
Avoid Class 3 e-bikes.
These bikes are legally treated like motorcycles in California. In California, these bikes require a licensed rider who is at least 16 years old. For more information on the e-bike class system, see: Can I Buy My Child an E-Bike?
Tell your kids not to run from the police.
Seriously. Many of the articles I reviewed involved teens fleeing law enforcement, often turning what could have been a minor stop into a much bigger legal problem.
When E-Bike Accidents Happen
We can do our best to keep our kids safe, and they can do their best to ride responsibly. Still, accidents and injuries can happen despite everyone’s best efforts.
If you or your child are injured while riding an e-bike or e-scooter, reach out for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.
If You’re Injured While Cycling, Contact Paceline Law
By riding in a paceline, cyclists reduce wind drag by up to 50%. Hiring a lawyer should work the same way—reducing friction and making the legal process smoother.
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, I’m here to advocate for you and take on the headwinds of your legal challenges. Let’s move forward together.
Additional Readings
California E-Bike Regulations Taking Effect In 2026
E-bike California Regulations Taking Effect in 2025
California Quietly Ends E-Bike Incentive Vouchers — What Riders Should Know