An 11-year-old rider was seriously hurt yesterday after crashing an electric motorcycle inside Jerabek Park in Scripps Ranch, leaving the child with a serious head injury and a compound leg fracture. The rider was taken to Rady Children's Hospital for treatment. San Diego police said the crash remains under investigation and declined to provide additional details.
San Diego police confirmed the transport to Rady Children's and described the injuries as serious, according to FOX5 San Diego. The outlet reported that investigators are still working to determine how the collision occurred.
Police: Off‑Highway E‑Motos Are Banned in City Parks
The San Diego Police Department reminded residents that off‑highway electric motorcycles are not permitted in any City of San Diego park and urged caution around high-powered devices. "Operators must also possess a valid Class C driver’s license and an M1 motorcycle license," the department told FOX5 San Diego. Officers also noted that vehicles must be properly registered, insured and equipped with the safety gear required under the California Vehicle Code.
Regional Rule Changes Follow a String of Crashes
The wreck comes as cities across North County have moved to tighten micromobility rules. The City of Carlsbad this week adopted stronger e‑bike regulations, including a minimum riding age, expanded impound authority for unsafe machines and new park restrictions, set to take effect March 26, according to the City of Carlsbad.
Licensing and Safety Basics
State law draws a clear distinction between pedal‑assist e‑bikes and higher-powered electric motorcycles, treating the latter like motorcycles for registration and licensing purposes. The California DMV's motorcycle handbook explains that motorcycles and motor‑driven cycles require a Class M1 or M2 license or endorsement and that riders must meet registration, insurance and equipment requirements to operate legally on public roads.
Enforcement Tools and Legal Implications
New state law AB 875 gives officers authority to impound out‑of‑class electric vehicles capable of more than 20 mph when operators lack proper licensing, and the California Highway Patrol has highlighted that change as part of a package of 2026 laws aimed at improving safety. Local policies, such as Carlsbad's new ordinance, also allow impoundment and require safety courses or parental involvement when minors are involved, creating additional enforcement options for police.
San Diego police said the investigation is ongoing and the department has not disclosed whether any citations have been issued. We will update this story if investigators or hospital officials release further information.
