E-bikes have become increasingly popular throughout the years, especially with teenagers. However, lawmakers were slow to regulate the seriousness of these vehicles, resulting in a wave of legal consequences– not only for teenagers, but for the parents as well.

“In many states, electric bicycles are regulated under antiquated laws primarily aimed at combustion engine vehicles such as mopeds or scooters,” said People For Bikes.

In addition to outdated laws, people have been illegally modifying the speed of their E-bikes, increasing chances for accidents and lawsuits to follow. In recent news, parents have been legally held accountable for their child’s E-bike accidents. 

One Orange county mother faces an involuntary manslaughter charge following the death of an eighty-one year old man who was hit by her son riding an E-bike, according to the Los Angeles Times. This raises the question: should parents be responsible for their child’s E-bike usage?

“The boy’s electric motorcycle was a 2025 Surron Ultra Bee, advertised by Surron as capable of reaching a top speed of 56 mph,” said the Los Angeles Times.

This bike required a motorcycle license to use, along with requiring the driver to be 16 years or older. The rider’s mother had been previously warned by the Orange county sheriff’s department that she could end up being charged criminally if she allowed her son to continue to ride it.

Because the child was riding an illegal version of an E-bike for his age, and the parents knew that it was illegal, it is fair to say that the parents should be responsible legally for this accident. 

However, if the parents were to provide a fully legal version of an E-bike, they should not have been responsible for the accident. And new regulations seem to agree with this as well.

“Authorities emphasized that bikes altered to exceed legal speed or power limits may no longer qualify as E-bikes under state law,” said Lily Dallow from KTLA, “meaning riders could face motor vehicle related penalties.”

It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child is riding a legal version of an E-bike with proper safety protocol. Along with keeping their child safe with these regulated precautions, it also keeps the parents out of legal trouble.

“Modification of E-bikes beyond the parameters imposed by law pose a significant risk to cyclists safety, but also to third parties who they may come into contact with,” said Advantage Legal.

Simple steps and quick research before equipping your child with a potentially deadly vehicle can keep everyone on the road safe. Although a teenager may make reckless decisions on the road, ensuring that their E-bike follows current regulation is one important step parents need to take.