The Clinton Township Police Department and Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem have issued an “urgent” public safety announcement concerning high-powered electric motorcycles, or e-motos, that continue to grow in popularity.
The PSA, which outlines the differences between electric bicycles and e-motos, follows an August incident which resulted in multiple misdemeanor citations being issued to the drivers.
Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem said a number of local communities are dealing with the same issue. He said police are asking people to be respectful and courteous when riding their electric motorcylces.
“We’re getting calls all the time from residents who say they are afraid to use our trails because someone’s going to come zooming right past them,” he said.
According to police, officers responded on Aug. 25 to reports of approximately 20 unlit e-motorcycles causing traffic hazards for drivers along Romeo Plank and Canal roads on the township’s north side. Officers were also called to a related disturbance at the Mall at Partridge Creek on Hall Road.
“Officers later intercepted a group at Huron Elementary School after receiving reports of riders threatening to flee from law enforcement,” police said in their news release.
Police said five e-moto riders received criminal misdemeanor citations and traffic infractions related to the incidents. They ranged in age from 18 and 24, and all were Clinton Township residents, according to police Capt. Michael Marker.
Charges included driving without a motorcycle endorsement, violation of instruction permit, operating a motor vehicle on a sidewalk, and failure to display avalid license. Civil infractions were written for operating unregistered and uninsured vehicles.
All five high-powered vehicles — including models capable of speeds up to 70 mph — were impounded, police said.
Police in Michigan’s largest township also said the following bullet points about safety and enforcement issues are important to know:
Sidewalk Prohibitions: Motorized vehicles may not be driven on sidewalks or pedestrian walkways
Parental Responsibility: Parents are strongly urged to verify vehicle classifications before purchasing e-motos for youngsters. Unregistered motor vehicles operated by unlicensed drivers on public roadways will be towed at the owner’s expense and operators will face court citations
Zero Tolerance for Fleeing: Attempting to elude law enforcement creates severe hazards for the public and carries heavy legal penalties
Clinton Township officials says it’s important for residents to review the difference between electric bikes (e-bikes) and e-motorcycles (or e-motos), especially for use among unlicensed youth and unlicensed drivers.
Legal e-bikes have operable pedals, can reach speeds of about 20-28 mph, do not require a driver’s license, are exempt from registration and insurance requirements, and are permitted on roads and designated paths.
By contrast, e-motorcycles have no pedals, can reach speeds of 50-70 mph, require a valid driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement, require the bikes be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office along with plate and insurance, and are prohibited on sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and parks.
In Oakland County, two 13-year-old boys were critically injured on Monday when they were hit by a pickup truck while crossing Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township on an electric motorcycle. Because of their age, neither could legally operate the e-moto. Their condition is not known, and police are still investigating the crash so there is no information on potential citations or charges.