16-year-old dies in Half Moon Bay e-moto collision

Deputies responded to the scene at 12:15 p.m. Monday, when the rider, who suffered serious injuries, was subsequently transferred to the hospital. The Sheriff’s Office was notified he died at the hospital later that evening, the press release said. 

The driver of the box truck is cooperating with the investigation, the press release said, and initial investigation found the driver to be properly licensed and that alcohol or drugs do not appear to be a contributing factor. 

The Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team is conducting the investigation into the collision and is asking anyone with information to contact their office at (650) 363-4911. 

The e-motorcycle involved did not have pedals and is classified as an off-highway motorcycle, according to the press release.

The 16-year-old did not have a license to operate an e-motorcycle, Spiker said in an email. “This is a truly tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of this young person,” Sheriff Ken Binder said in the press release. “Any time a young person loses their life it sends ripples through the community. This tragedy reminds us how dangerous e-motos can be. We urge parents and guardians to learn about the regulations surrounding the distinctions of these vehicles and to talk with kids and teens about safety and the rules of the road.” 

Local officials have been emphasizing the dangers of motorized electric bikes and motorcycles in recent weeks and encouraging parents to educate themselves on the differences between various types of e-bikes and e-motorcycles when purchasing the devices for their children. 

There are three classes of e-bikes. Class one and three e-bikes typically only have pedal assist and can go up to 20 mph and 28 mph, respectively. Class two e-bikes typically have pedals and throttle assist and legally go up to 20 mph. 

Some electric vehicles sold with the throttle assist are classified as e-bikes but can go beyond 20 mph, making them more akin to e-motorcycles, experts have said. E-motorcycles, which typically lack pedals entirely and operate via throttle assist, have motors that exceed 750 watts and require a more stringent license and registration process. 

It’s often e-motorcycles or similar vehicles, rather than standard e-bikes, that cause safety issues on the road, bike safety advocate Mike Swire said when asked to differentiate the contrast. 

“Much of the danger that we see increasingly on our streets is related to e-motorcycles, not bikes,” he said. “We need to make sure that when we develop programs to address these dangers, we [note] bikes still can be a really good and safe solution to get more people out of cars and to help kids get safely to school.”