The Apex Police Department says they’ve received several calls in recent weeks of incidents involving electronic bikes.
Police said while some parents think they’re buying e-bikes for their children, sometimes they are actually buying motorcycles.
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Apex mother Lauren Lovette was surprised to learn that she had inadvertently bought a motorcycle for her 15-year-old son Colton. She thought it was an e-bike.
Under state law, the motorcycle Lovette purchased for her son requires riders to have a license, registration and insurance. Lovette said her son didn’t have any of those things given his age.
“We learned that is, in fact, a motorcycle,” Lovette said. “If someone said, ‘Would you buy your kid a motorcycle?’ Absolutely not. Nobody would do that."
A recent crash sent Colton to the emergency room. It left him with a broken arm.
“Colton came over a blind hill too quickly, “Lovette said. “He was speeding.”
Lovette described her son’s crash.
“He laid it down,” Lovette said of her son. “It went under the car. His legs were under the car. He had to walk himself out from under the car.”
Apex police said any electric bike that exceeds 20 mph and has a motor over 750 watts most likely requires insurance and registration. Those types of vehicles are also not allowed on greenways and trails and must stay on the street.
Apex police said it’s a legal distinction unknown to many e-bike riders.
"It's very concerning because some of these electric motorcycles are pushing 30-40 mph, and they can be very dangerous,” Lovette said.
Lovette hopes her story is a wakeup call to other parents.
"I think everyone sees electric and they think it's just a free pass,” she said. “Definitely do your research. Call the police if you're unsure. Run it by them."