Bend police cite three juveniles following reckless e-motorcycle ride

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bend Police cited three juveniles on Sunday, Sept. 6, after a group of more than 30 teens on e-motorcycles took over travel lanes and rode recklessly through Bend.

Callers reported the group gathering at the Mt. Bachelor Park & Ride parking lot before riding through downtown, along Galveston Avenue and across westside roads near SW Columbia Street. Witnesses reported riders doing wheelies and disobeying traffic laws and many of the riders rode away when officers attempted a traffic stop.

A 14-year-old riding an e-bike was cited for driving without a license and referred to Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice. Police also stopped a 12-year-old riding an e-motorcycle capable of reaching 34 mph as the youth attempted to enter the Bend Parkway. The 12-year-old was also referred to Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice for driving without a license.

Officers cited a 15-year-old riding an e-motorcycle capable of traveling more than 50 mph for having no driver's license, failing to wear a helmet and operating a moped on a sidewalk. Police impounded the 15-year-old's vehicle. Additional e-motorcycles were later found hidden at a private residence, where the homeowner requested their removal, leading officers to collect the bikes as found property.

Police issued a reminder to families regarding state and local rules as the school year begins. Under Oregon law, children under age 16 are not legally permitted to ride e-bikes, and e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks. Additionally, off-road electric motorcycles that travel faster than 28 mph without pedaling and cannot be registered are illegal on city streets, sidewalks or trails within city limits.