Reckless E-Bikers Running Stop Signs Arrested In The Bay Area: Police

NOVATO, CA — Police officers arrested two teens Saturday in Novato who were driving recklessly on what police first thought were e-bikes.

At around 8 p.m. on Saturday, Novato Police Department officers said they saw two people, on what they thought were e-bikes, riding recklessly and running stop signs.

Officers said they tried to pull them over but the two fled. Police said they saw them ditch the bikes and run down a pathway between Ford Way and Donna Street.

Police caught up with one of the suspects on Donna Street. Officers said they identified him as Zane Bicknell, 18, of San Rafael.

Police said they found the other suspect, a 17-year-old Novato resident, hiding near Yukon Way.

Police said they arrested both teens for evading and resisting arrest. The 17-year-old was also arrested for a probation violation, police said.

"The e-bikes were later determined to be e-motorcycles and were removed from the streets," police said.

After new e-bike laws took effect in Marin County, officers have been cracking down on violators.

• A bicycle with an electric motor to assist pedaling
• Usually has a pedal-assist or throttle mode
• Comes in 3 classes:
  
  • Class 1: Pedal assist only, up to 20 mph (32 km/h)
  • Class 2: Throttle plus pedal assist, up to 20 mph
  • Class 3: Pedal assist only, up to 28 mph (45 km/h)

• A fully electric motorcycle, no pedals
• Higher speeds
• Requires a license, registration, requires insurance
• Designed for road use, like gas motorcycles