BEND, Ore. — Three juveniles were cited after Bend Police responded to reports of more than 30 e-motorcycle riders traveling recklessly through parts of Bend on Sunday, Sept. 6.
At approximately 4:51 p.m., Bend Police received multiple calls about a large group of teenagers who had gathered in the Mt. Bachelor Park & Ride parking lot near 90 SW Columbia Street before riding through town.
Police said the group took over lanes of travel while riding through downtown Bend, along Galveston Avenue and on other westside roads. Callers reported riders performing wheelies and failing to follow traffic laws.
Officers responded and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. According to police, many riders did not stop and instead left the scene. Police noted that failing to stop for an officer is a felony.
Officers searched the surrounding area and ultimately cited three juveniles.
A 14-year-old riding an e-bike was cited and referred to Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice for not having a driver’s license.
A 15-year-old was riding an e-motorcycle capable of traveling more than 50 mph, according to police. The juvenile was cited for failing to wear a helmet, operating a moped on a sidewalk and not having a driver’s license. The vehicle was impounded.
Police also stopped a 12-year-old riding an e-motorcycle capable of reaching 34 mph while the juvenile was attempting to access the Bend Parkway. The 12-year-old was referred to Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice for not having a driver’s license.
Officers later located additional e-motorcycles hidden at a residence. The homeowner requested that the vehicles be removed, and police collected them as found property.
Bend Police used the incident to remind families about regulations governing e-bikes and e-motorcycles as the school year begins. According to the department, children younger than 16 are not legally permitted to ride e-bikes, and e-bikes may not be ridden on sidewalks.
Police also warned that many electric vehicles being used locally can travel faster than 28 mph without pedaling. Off-road electric motorcycles that cannot be registered are not legal to operate on city streets, sidewalks or trails within Bend city limits.
