Know Before Your Ride - E-Bike Safety Information
July 9, 2026 9:14 AM
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Own an Electric Motorcycle, E-Bike, or Off-Road Vehicle? Know the Rules Before You Ride
The Santa Monica Police Department is reminding parents, guardians, and riders to know the rules before operating electric motorcycles, e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, or off-highway vehicles in Santa Monica.
Electric bikes and alternative vehicles continue to grow in popularity, but not all of these vehicles are legal to ride on public roadways, sidewalks, bike paths, or other public spaces. Some vehicles marketed as “e-bikes” are actually high-powered electric motorcycles or off-highway motor vehicles. These vehicles can travel at speeds that make them unsafe and unlawful for children and unlicensed riders to operate on public roads.
Sur-Ron, Talaria, and similar vehicles are classified as off-highway motor vehicles and are never legal to ride on public roadways or sidewalks.
Download: E-Bike Safety Flyer
Why This Matters
SMPD has seen an increase in juveniles riding electric motorcycles and high-powered e-bikes recklessly on public streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces. In some cases, riders have failed to stop when officers attempt to contact them, creating additional safety concerns for the rider, the public, and responding personnel.
When riders ignore traffic laws, ride on sidewalks, carry improper passengers, or operate these vehicles recklessly, they put themselves, pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and officers at risk.
SMPD’s goal is to prevent serious injuries before they happen.
Parents: Know Before They Ride
Before buying or allowing your child to ride an electric motorcycle, e-bike, scooter, moped, or other motorized vehicle, make sure you know:
- How the vehicle is legally classified
- Where it can legally be ridden
- Whether a driver’s license is required
- Whether registration or a license plate is required
- Whether a helmet is required
- Whether your child is legally permitted to operate it
Depending on the circumstances, violations may result in citations, vehicle impoundment, and additional legal consequences. E-Bike Safety Flyer
Basic Safety Reminders
Riders should always follow the rules of the road. That includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, riding with the flow of traffic, wearing required safety equipment, and avoiding unsafe or distracted riding.
Riders should not carry improper passengers, wear headphones or earbuds in both ears, use a cellphone while riding, or operate any vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Enforcement and Education
SMPD will continue to take appropriate enforcement action when electric motorcycles, high-powered e-bikes, off-highway vehicles, or similar vehicles are operated unlawfully or in a manner that endangers the community.
Our focus remains on safety, education, and prevention. We are asking parents, guardians, and riders to understand the rules before operating these vehicles in Santa Monica.
Ride legally. Ride safely. Know before you go.
Additional SMPD Resources
May
2026 - Parents: Know Before They Ride
https://www.facebook.com/santamonicapd/photos/parents-know-before-they-ridesmpd-is-seeing-an-increase-in-juveniles-riding-elec/1426740089494815/
July
2025 - SMPD Impounds 12 Illegal Off-Highway Vehicles
https://www.facebook.com/santamonicapd/posts/%EF%B8%8Fsmpd-impounds-12-illegal-off-highway-vehicleson-saturday-july-26-smpds-impounde/1177156677786492/