Prosecutors assert this incident highlights the increasing legal ramifications for parents whose children illegally operate high-powered electric two-wheelers.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Richard John Eyssallenne, 39, faces criminal charges for child endangerment, child abuse, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor following the accident that left his son with severe injuries. If convicted, Eyssallenne could face a prison sentence of up to 6 years.
The incident occurred in the summer of 2025 when the 12-year-old boy ran a red light on a Talaria XXX electric bike and was struck by a car. The collision resulted in serious injuries for the boy, including a skull fracture, brain hemorrhage, a fractured femur, and a fractured wrist.
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The Talaria XXX in the US. Photo: Talaria |
Investigators determined the vehicle had been modified, altering its classification from an electric bike under the law to a motorcycle. The Talaria's pedals were modified and not "fully functional", and its motor power exceeded the legal maximum of 750 W, reaching 5,000 W.
Additionally, the manufacturer-installed speed limiter, which restricted the bike's top speed to 32 km/h, had been rewired to a key switch. This modification allowed the rider to bypass the speed limiting mechanism, enabling the bike to reach speeds of up to 96 km/h.
Under California law, vehicles with such high power and speed characteristics require a motorcycle license, vehicle registration, and insurance to operate legally on public roads. Operators must also be at least 16 years old.
Authorities noted that the boy had previously received a citation for illegally operating an electric motorcycle. His family was even required to attend a local electric bike safety workshop in early 2025 after the bike had been confiscated. This case reflects a growing concern about children operating high-powered electric motorcycles on public streets.
"Electric motorcycles are not child's play", a representative from the Orange County District Attorney's Office stated, adding that parents who knowingly allow their children to ride illegally or help modify bikes to enhance performance may face criminal consequences.
This incident also occurs amidst increased law enforcement actions and policy discussions regarding teenagers operating high-powered electric motorcycles. In some areas of California and other states, law enforcement agencies are increasingly warning parents that they could be held responsible if their children operate electric two-wheelers illegally or with excessive modifications.
While class one and class two electric bikes typically have no age restrictions in many states, vehicles exceeding 750 W, lacking pedals, or achieving high speeds are generally categorized as motorcycles, requiring a license and registration.
As electric mobility devices become more powerful and widespread, cases like this indicate that authorities are beginning to focus not only on the riders themselves but also on the adults responsible for placing these vehicles into their hands.
"This 12-year-old was lucky to survive, and the driver who caused the accident will have to live with the horror of having caused serious injury to a child through no fault of their own", the statement from the Orange County District Attorney's Office representative concluded.
My Anh (according to CBS News)
