Teen’s Failed Escape from Motorcycle Cops on Electric Bike

A teenager in Southern California found out the hard way that trying to speed by motorcycle police on an electric bike isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

This mishap, caught on video by Orange County police and released online, featured the officer narrating the pursuit. He warned the boy’s parents that they would soon hear about the incident, ended the chase abruptly, and then slapped the boy multiple times.

“I would stop if I were you. This is a really bad idea,” the officer was heard saying to Ryder during the chase.

“Okay. You could keep going, but that’s not smart. Your face is on camera, I know you go to school nearby. I’m going to find you. What will mom and dad think when they see this face? What if I tell them about it?”

The encounter is part of a larger trend where Orange County law enforcement is intensifying efforts against reckless behavior on e-bikes, which has led to increasing frustration among local residents due to several troubling incidents involving young riders.

This particular incident unfolded in Orange, as police shared footage of a young rider trying and failing to escape at Grijalva Park, with the commentary from a motorcycle officer sounding more entertained than impressed.

“I promise I ride better than you,” the officer remarked during the chase. “Oh, look, I’m still here. Get off your bike. Get off your bike or you’re going to get in big trouble, bud.”

Eventually, the chase concluded.

The police department noted in a social media message, “We heard conversations about electric bikes at Grijalva Park. Recently, one rider thought stopping for an officer was optional and tried to flee.”

“As you can see in the video, that plan didn’t last long.”

The rider ended up facing nine charges, and his electric bike was confiscated. Footage showed an officer giving a lengthy ticket.

The officer stated the alleged violations included fleeing from police, breaching city ordinances, reckless driving in a park, riding without a license plate, not wearing a helmet, lacking a valid driver’s or motorcycle license, not providing insurance or registration, and not having mirrors on the vehicle.

The police jokingly added, “That’s a pretty costly way to learn the traffic rules.”

While the situation had its humorous aspects, Orange County officials are pursuing a more serious initiative to curb unsafe riding practices, responding to rising complaints from residents.

Just last week, the Tustin Police Department announced the enforcement of a stricter e-bike ordinance targeting unsafe riders. The updated rules prohibit speeding in parks or pedestrian areas, riding against traffic, or carrying unauthorized passengers.

Officials pointed to alarming statistics, highlighting that collisions involving e-bikes are the leading cause of trauma for individuals under 18.

This crackdown is prompted by a series of high-profile incidents featuring young riders, such as earlier this month when two boys reportedly rode electric bikes through a Walmart in Lake Forest, narrowly missing shoppers before vanishing from the scene.

In a more tragic turn, Orange County prosecutors have charged a mother concerning a 14-year-old boy who allegedly struck and killed an 81-year-old man while riding an electric bike in Lake Forest.

Authorities have also reported dangerous stunts being performed by riders and groups taking over public roads.