A 14-year-old boy turned an electric bicycle into a high-speed getaway ride Friday in Rancho Cordova, hitting an estimated 55 mph on city streets before officers and county park rangers finally caught up with him, authorities said. The chase ended once officials identified the teen, who was then booked into juvenile hall on a felony evading charge, according to police.
Officers first tried to pull the rider over after he blew through a stop sign and committed several other traffic violations, FOX40 reported. Instead of stopping, the teen allegedly kept going, with Rancho Cordova police saying the pursuit reached speeds of up to 55 mph on public roadways.
From there, the rider headed onto the American River Bike Trail, where the e-bike speed dropped to about 35 mph, according to police. The trail is a multi-use path with a posted 15 mph speed limit and a ban on motorized vehicles, according to Sacramento County Regional Parks, and is frequently used by joggers, families and equestrians.
County park rangers contacted the rider on the trail and identified him as a 14-year-old, authorities said. Officers then had the e-bike towed. The teen was booked into juvenile hall on a felony evading charge, and his parents received a citation for allowing an unlicensed minor to operate the e-bike, according to FOX40.
Rancho Cordova police said that failing to properly operate an e-bike on public roads “constitutes a hazard” to both riders and other motorists. The department urged e-bike owners to register their bikes, make sure riders are properly licensed and insist on required safety gear.
Legal Consequences for Evading
Under California law, fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer can be charged as felony evading when a driver shows a willful or wanton disregard for safety. Legal guides note that felony reckless evading under Vehicle Code section 2800.2 can bring potential state prison time, fines and possible vehicle impoundment when prosecuted as a felony, depending on the circumstances and any injuries involved, according to ShouseLaw.
E-Bike Modifications and Enforcement
Officials say e-bikes that have been modified to reach motorcycle-level speeds are creating a growing safety and enforcement headache for cities and park systems. In Orange County, prosecutors charged a parent after his son’s e-bike was allegedly modified to reach about 60 mph, a case that put a spotlight on how aftermarket tweaks and parental decisions can lead to criminal exposure, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Rancho Cordova police say the recent case is a clear example of why they are stepping up enforcement of vehicle code violations involving e-bikes. The department is urging parents to make sure younger riders follow the law, stick to posted rules and wear helmets. Anyone with information about similar incidents is asked to contact the department’s non-emergency line or submit tips anonymously to Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers.
