The 5,000-watt electric motorcycle was cited and impounded as Orange County prosecutors increase scrutiny of parents who allow minors to ride illegal e-motos.

Irvine City News | September 28, 2026

Irvine police stopped a 14-year-old riding a 5,000-watt e-moto capable of reaching 62 mph, issuing citations and impounding the vehicle, according to information released by the department.

The incident comes amid increased enforcement of high-powered electric motorcycles being ridden illegally by minors. Earlier this year, the Orange County District Attorney created a specialized unit to review potential criminal charges involving e-bikes and e-motos, including cases in which parents knowingly allow children to ride them illegally. As of September, prosecutors said child-endangerment charges had been filed against four Orange County parents in e-moto cases.

This article draws on information from the Irvine Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and reporting by New Santa Ana.