Five Orange County Parents Charged Amid Electric Motorcycle Crackdown

Orange County Prosecutors Target Parents in Electric Motorcycle Crackdown

Five Orange County parents face criminal charges after prosecutors alleged they allowed their underage children to illegally ride electric motorcycles. The move is part of a growing crackdown in response to a sharp increase in injuries related to e-motorcycles and e-bikes in Southern California.

Details of the Child Endangerment Charges

On October 22, 2026, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced the filing of child endangerment charges against a group of parents following several high-profile incidents involving minors and electric motorcycles. Among those charged is Alex Li of Yorba Linda, whose 11-year-old son was injured in a crash with a pickup truck while riding an e-motorcycle equipped with a 1,200-watt motor, exceeding the 750-watt legal limit for e-bicycles. Prosecutors said if convicted, Li faces up to one year in Orange County Jail.

Other Cases Involving E-Motorcycle Accidents

Maria Dolores Roehling was charged with one felony count of child endangerment and an infraction after her 9-year-old son, reportedly riding an e-motorcycle capable of speeds over 47 mph, was hit by a truck. Prosecutors cited social media posts showing the child performing wheelies and documenting a previous crash. If convicted, Roehling could face a maximum sentence of six years in state prison.

Another case involves the adult brother of a 15-year-old, who allegedly led La Palma police on a high-speed pursuit, reaching 40 mph, ignoring commands to pull over, running red lights, and narrowly avoiding multiple collisions before losing control and veering into bushes. Prosecutors have charged the brother accordingly.

Repeat Incidents and Law Enforcement Warnings

Dan Rezmives was charged after his 12-year-old son was observed riding a Surron Light Bee e-motorcycle on public streets. Despite prior warnings from law enforcement about the illegality of his son's actions, the vehicle – given as a Christmas present – continued to be used. Rezmives faces misdemeanor charges of child endangerment, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and an infraction for allowing an unlicensed child to drive.

Hulin Guo and Xianomin Wang also face two misdemeanors each, in addition to an infraction, after their 17-year-old son reportedly led Newport Beach police on a dangerous pursuit. Authorities allege that the teenager drove over 40 mph on sidewalks and the wrong side of the road, ignored commands to stop, and was involved in prior e-motorcycle incidents, including being tackled off the vehicle by an officer and having his e-motorcycles impounded twice.

Increase in E-Motorcycle Injuries Among Minors

The district attorney cited a 430% increase in e-bike and e-motorcycle injuries among children in Southern California over the past four years, stating these incidents are now the leading cause for emergency room visits involving children in Orange County. "Kids are getting seriously injured and killed," Spitzer said. "If you’re going to hand the keys to a deadly weapon to your child, then be prepared to face the consequences of your actions."

Legal Requirements for Electric Motorcycles in California

Unlike e-bicycles, street-legal e-motorcycles in California require a valid motorcycle license, registration with the DMV, a license plate, insurance, and full motorcycle safety equipment. Riding an e-motorcycle without a license is only permitted on private property or in designated off-road areas. Prosecutors argue that the charged parents failed to comply with these laws, resulting in endangerment of minors and adverse public safety outcomes.

Source: latimes.com.