Windsor police are warning that illegal electric motorbike use, especially among children, is rising and poses serious safety risks.
WINDSOR, Colorado — Windsor police are warning residents about the dangers of illegally riding electric motorbikes, saying both adults and children are being caught operating the high-speed vehicles on roadways and sidewalks.
Authorities say the issue has become increasingly visible across the town, with officers encountering riders engaging in risky behavior.
“He was actually doing a wheelie across the sidewalk there,” Sgt. Jared Paul noted in an example captured during patrol.
Sgt. Paul said officers are growing frustrated with the repeated violations and the safety risks they pose. “The e-motos are not allowed in town on the roadways and sidewalks,” Paul said.
Police say a particularly concerning trend is the number of juveniles operating the motorbikes. Paul added that “there are a lot of kids riding these things without proper safety equipment, such as helmets.”
The Windsor Police Department is attempting to educate the public about the distinction between electric bicycles and electric motorbikes.
According to Paul, “e-bikes have pedals, so they’re pedal-assisted, and they go under 25 miles per hour.” In contrast, “e-motorbikes are just full throttle; they go upwards of 60-plus miles per hour,” he said. “That makes it a lot more dangerous for children to be riding them around on roadways and sidewalks.”
Those caught violating the rules can be summoned to municipal court.
Police Chief Stephen Garrison is also calling on parents to take a more active role in preventing unsafe riding. “Parents need to understand the differences between a bicycle and kids being kids, and kids riding motorcycles or motorbikes out in public,” Garrison said.
Sgt. Paul added, “There’s definitely a large responsibility on parents to fully know what is allowed and what is not allowed.”
Officials believe problem extends beyond Windsor. “This is an issue that is along the Front Range and all over Colorado. It’s nationwide as well,” Paul said.
Ultimately, police say their goal is to prevent serious injuries or fatalities.
“We want them to ride safe. We want them to ride right,” Sgt. Paul said.
