Local Teen Flees Police On E-Moto: LPD

EAST BAY, CA — Lafayette police impounded the electric motorcycle of a teen who fled from an officer earlier this week.

The teen was riding with a group when the officer tried to stop them. Two rode e-motorcycles and two e-bikes.

Three of them stopped, but one sped away, according to the Lafayette Police Department.

The officer released the remaining three with a verbal warning. A parent picked up one of the teens — and his e-bike.

The officer found the fourth teen, who was doing wheelies on a public street with the same e-motorcycle, according to police. This time the teen stopped for the officer, who cited and then released him to his parents. Police impounded the e-motorcycle for 30 days.

The incident comes on the heels of efforts in cities around Contra Costa to tighten rules of the road for electric vehicles.

Class 1 E-Bike: pedal assist only, no throttle, maximum 20 m.p.h.
Class 2 E-Bike: pedal assist plus throttle, maximum 20 m.p.h.
Class 3 E-Bike: pedal assist only, maximum speed 28 m.p.h. Helmets are required, riders must be 16 or over.

Read more: Walnut Creek Faces E-Bike Risks, Rewards: How The City Is Addressing The Challenge

Lafayette Looking At Tackling E-Bike Enforcement On City Streets