By Justin Riege, lifelong Ventura resident, motorcycle rider and e-bike rider –
The rise of e-bikes and e-motos has become a growing issue for our urban communities—one that must be addressed before more people get hurt, or worse. Tension is building between the adopters of this new form of recreation and those who walk, bike or drive in our neighborhoods. Valid concerns have emerged regarding the use of these electric bikes and motorcycles, as well as the behavior of certain groups while riding them.
While stricter regulation is both advisable and inevitable, I urge our community to take a nuanced and open-minded approach. A large percentage of our youth, mostly good kids, have embraced these devices with tremendous enthusiasm. It is imperative that we do not villainize an entire generation for their excitement over this technology.
For perspective, think back a few decades to the early days of skateboarding. Police often reacted to groups of skaters with anything from a simple “move along” to confiscating boards or even making arrests. Who remembers the old “Skateboarding is not a crime” bumper stickers and T-shirts?
In the 1980s, skaters were often treated as criminals—or at least troublemakers. Today, however, our communities boast multiple skate parks. If skaters take over a drainage ditch, curb or ledge off the beaten path, most of us don’t give it a second thought, so long as they aren’t destroying property or causing problems. Skating is now accepted as part of our culture.
We have an opportunity to learn from that history. E-bikes and e-motos can be regulated, licensed, and limited to appropriate spaces, with clear expectations for safe behavior. At the same time, it’s worth investing in designated areas where kids can ride, ensuring they are included in our community rather than pushed to the margins.
The reality is, the desire to ride isn’t going away. The cat is out of the bag. These kids are going to ride every type of electrified bike or moto they can get their hands on. The question is: Are we going to criminalize them and embolden their anti-establishment instincts, or are we going to create a literal and figurative path for them to become skilled, responsible riders?
So, what might a solution look like? Licensing? Sure. A minimum age? Reasonable. Defined trails, paths or spaces? Absolutely. But let’s also provide safe places, training opportunities and, above all, some grace. For the most part, these are good kids just trying to have fun. If we fail to embrace this new sport, we risk driving them toward the rebellious and anti-police attitudes so prevalent in online riding culture. Remember, attitudes toward skateboarding have shifted so much that even some police officers—and their kids—now skate at community parks. Who would have imagined that 30 years ago?
If you haven’t tried an e-bike or e-moto, I encourage you to. They are fun, quiet, clean, and safe when used responsibly. While e-motos don’t belong on city streets or hiking trails, they are a thrill to ride off-road. Imagine the benefits if our community created spaces for that.
It would be a mistake not to welcome both e-bikes and e-motos into our community in some measured way—and a bigger mistake to dismiss our next generation as troublemakers simply because they love something that is, at its heart, just good, clean fun.
