Motorcycles have been a hot trend for as long as they have existed. From gangs to hot rides, they have been one of the ”wild life” types of things a person can have—weaving between traffic, going top speed on the highway. But these riders are licensed adults, and now we are giving them to kids in the form of E-motos, and not realizing the danger in these devices. - Vanessa Schulte 7th grade
Motorcycles have been a hot trend for as long as they have existed. From gangs to hot rides, they have been one of the ”wild life” types of things a person can have—weaving between traffic, going top speed on the highway. But these riders are licensed adults, and now we are giving them to kids in the form of E-motos, and not realizing the danger in these devices.
Transportation is a part of our daily life. E-bikes provide an easy, safe alternative to cars that can help motivate exercise. “E-bikes are awesome. They’re fun to ride, they ease the pain of hills and headwinds, and they’re already cutting demand for oil by a million barrels per day — four times as much as all the world’s electric cars,” wrote Adam Kushner for the NYT. They are also a cheaper alternative and healthy for the environment. “I love my E-bike, it helps me get from place to place very easily,” said Lucie Alvarado-Strasser, a 6th grade Lit Arts student, who rides an e-bike.
Meanwhile E-Motos or Electric Motorcycles, the new hot trend for young people, Are lightweight electric rides that you would commonly use to go place to place. But an E-moto is no E-bike; it’s a whole other story. These vehicles can reach up to 65 mph at highway speed. They cause car accidents and 1,506 injuries in California alone, and are not like E-bikes at all due to lacking pedals, and having a way higher speed than any regular e- bike. Overall, they are worse for this generation's safety and environment.
 Classic E-bike (Porshe Model EXC) on left. Generic E-Moto (Strike Shadow model SV2) on right |  |
The overall international age average to ride a motorcycle is 18 years old. So why would Cakifornia be any exception? Partially for the fact that these motorcycles hide behind the label of being a “dirt bike.” as a loophole for kids to own them.
Having the ability to use these bikes has also sparked more criminal activity in youth. The main concern is countless vandalism attacks. On July 9th, two boys aged 12 and 16 vandalized a Naples Target in Florida.
Security Camra Footage of the 2 boys at target.
“Where are your parents? Reel in your kids. Why are we, acting this way? People need things here that [you all] have destroyed.” said Sabrina Galainena, a frequent Target shopper reacting to the footage in an interview with WINK news. The boys were arrested and charged for vandalism and sued due to thousands of dollars of damaged goods at Target.
The spike in interest in E-motos, has also led to a spike in ER visits. Data from CPSC has shown that children motorbike injuries are responsible for 27% of the micromobility room visits in the U.S. This is mainly caused by kids not using helmets. These types of injuries typically are road rash, broken bones, and most importantly head trauma. The emotional pain will scar kids for a long time if not for life.
The spike in interest in E-motos, has also led to a spike in ER visits. Data from CPSC has shown that children motorbike injuries are responsible for 27% of the micromobility room visits in the U.S. This is mainly caused by kids not using helmets. These types of injuries typically are road rash, broken bones, and most importantly head trauma. The emotional pain will scar kids for a long time if not for life.
Wasted E-moto after traffic crash
The riders aren‘t as fortunate either. Types of these severe accidents like this occur when you drive this vehicle and weave through traffic. Riding beside cars is dangerous by itself no matter what bike you have. Together, over 100 people, riders and pedestrians have died in the United States.
Many states have started to put bans on E-motos such as New York, New Jersey, Washington and Utah have put Bans on the vehicle and rules for the rider.
We have none of these rules currently in Alemeda County, leading to more and more accidents in the Bay Area every year. Until then keep always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to those around you.
