05/08/2026
During proactive patrol, on May 6, 2026, at 0910 hours, an officer from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) San Gorgonio Pass Area office observed an electric motorcycle on Soboba Street, south of Johnston Avenue, in the unincorporated community of Valle Vista. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the off-road style electric motorcycle and the rider failed to yield. As the rider fled, he failed to stop for multiple stop signs before coming to a stop near Thornton Avenue and Meridian Street. During the enforcement contact, the rider of the electric motorcycle, identified as a juvenile out of Hemet, resisted arrest and attempted to flee on foot. As the officer attempted to detain the juvenile, the juvenile struck the officer in the face. The juvenile was taken into custody without further incident and booked into Southwest Juvenile Hall for 69(a) PC – Felony resisting arrest causing injury to a peace officer, 2800.1(a) VC – Misdemeanor failure to yield, and 12500(a) VC – Misdemeanor driving while unlicensed. The unregistered electric motorcycle was impounded for 30 days.
🏍️versus🚲: Electric motorcycles may look like an electric bicycle, but they are not the same. An electric motorcycle may require a license to operate, registration, insurance, proper lighting equipment or it may not be permitted to be operated on public property. An electric motorcycle is designed by the manufacturer for operation primarily off the highway, is powered by an electric motor, has handlebars for steering control, has a straddle seat, has two wheels, and is not equipped with pedals. If your child is operating one of these illegal electric motorcycles and seriously injures themselves or someone else, the consequences can be severe.
An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. No driver’s license is required and riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet, regardless of bicycle type.
The California Highway Patrol uses a comprehensive statewide approach to promote and enforce safe pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist behavior, ensuring we all share the road safely.