Parents Could Face Criminal Liability for Child’s Reckless E-bike Use
RIVERSIDE – With the holiday season upon us, and e-bikes rise to the top of many teens’ wish lists, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is issuing a public safety advisory to educate families on the legal responsibilities and safety risks associated with these motorized devices.
The DA’s Office urges parents to consider the legal and safety responsibilities that come with ebikes. Riders must follow traffic laws, yield appropriately, maintain safe speeds, and wear proper protective gear.
Our office has observed a significant increase in incidents involving e-bikes throughout Riverside County. These include collisions, reckless riding, and incidents resulting in serious injury to the e-bike operator.
In 2025, there have been at least 36 juvenile-related e-bike incidents, involving a total of 45 juveniles, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s Office records. The higher number of juveniles reflects incidents where more than one youth was involved, such as a juvenile driver with a juvenile passenger.
The DA’s Office is actively reviewing case law on how responsibility should be assigned in accidents involving e-bikes – particularly when minors are involved – to determine what criminal liability may apply. Criminal liability may involve the e-bike operator and possibly the parents or guardians of a minor.
Under California Penal Code 273a(a), a parent can be held criminally liable for child endangerment if they provide a minor with an inappropriate e-bike, fail to properly educate them on safe operation, and do not ensure they use required safety equipment—actions that place the child or others at risk of death or great bodily injury. A felony conviction under this statute carries a maximum sentence of six years in state prison.
“Our office’s greatest concern is that a child could cause serious injury, or even death, to themselves or others due to reckless e-bike use,” said Assistant District Attorney Mike Cabral. “Parents should be aware of the risks that come with children operating these motorized vehicles.”
E-bikes can reach speeds comparable to small motorcycles, making them significantly more dangerous than standard bicycles. Riders can lose control, misjudge braking distances, or collide with vehicles or pedestrians. When minors ride unsafely or without proper supervision, the risks increase dramatically.
E-bikes are not toys. Legally they are motorized vehicles. Understanding the law now can prevent tragic, costly incidents, and possible prosecution later.
