Clovis police target unsafe e-bike use amid rise in juvenile incidents

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Clovis police are stepping up enforcement and urging safer riding habits as incidents involving electric bikes and similar vehicles increase, particularly among juveniles.

"If they're not following the rules, and they're parents are letting them make mistakes, it's on the parents they're gonna deal with that heartbreak," one e-bike rider said.

The Clovis Police Department says the issue has escalated, with officers encountering more young riders pushing legal limits and, in some cases, refusing to stop for law enforcement.

"They don't just stop for the officers also. Now we're, we're chasing some of these kids, and that's just making things even worse, more dangerous," said Police Chief Curt Fleming.

Fleming said the department has been closely tracking the problem for about a year, citing a rise in serious crashes across the Central Valley involving young riders.

"We're seeing very serious injury accidents, with juveniles, even young adults, that are getting killed or seriously injured, and that's probably not the proper way that we want to be educating them," Fleming said.

Over the weekend, officers conducted an enforcement operation that resulted in 21 stops. Police also impounded an electric motorcycle as part of the effort.

The department is now updating its incident documentation to include details on the specific types of vehicles involved. Officials hope the added information will encourage parents to be more cautious when purchasing e-bikes or similar devices for their children.

"When they see that, hopefully they're taking a step back looking to see what I purchased for my kid, and maybe I need to either take that away or get them something different," Fleming said.

The enforcement push comes as changes in the marketplace also affect access to high-powered e-bikes. Amazon recently announced it will stop allowing the sale of certain e-bikes in California that exceed state speed limits.

California law divides e-bikes into three classes: Class 1 provides pedal assistance up to 20 miles per hour; Class 2 includes throttle assistance with the same speed limit; and Class 3 offers pedal assistance up to 28 miles per hour and requires riders to be at least 16 years old.

Local retailers say they are also taking steps to promote safe use. At Motion Madness in Clovis, owner Michael Chakov said customers receive training with each purchase and are warned against modifying their bikes.

"The warranty is void if they tinker around with these vehicles and try to make them go faster," Chakov said.

Riders and officials alike say responsibility ultimately falls on both parents and young users.

"If your kids are gonna be on the street, be there with them. Period," another e-bike rider said.

Police say enforcement and education efforts will continue as they try to reduce accidents and improve safety on local roads.

Anyone who sees reckless use of these electric vehicles is urged to report it to the department's traffic hotline at (559) 324-3400.

They can also call 911 or the department's non-emergency number at (559) 324-2800.

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