Overland Park police crack down on illegal e-moto riding as summer begins

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) - Overland Park police say enforcement will increase this summer to address concerns about electric motorcycles or ‘e-motos,’ in neighborhood areas.

What happens if a minor gets stopped?

• Citation or warning: The rider could receive a citation or a written warning.
• On file: The rider’s name will be kept on file in case it happens again.
• Court and fines possible: Citations for no insurance and no license can involve a court appearance and hefty fines if found guilty.
• No riding home: Kids will not be allowed to ride the e-moto home.
• Parent pickup required: Parents must pick up both their child and the e-moto.
• Parents can be responsible: Police say it is illegal for parents to allow their child to operate a motor vehicle on a roadway without the proper license.
• Repeat offenses: Repeat violations could lead to criminal charges for parents, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Know the difference between e-bikes vs. e-motos

Police are also urging families to understand what’s legal and what isn’t.

E-bikes (allowed): Have working pedals and are generally legal on most roads, sidewalks and bike paths, as long as riders follow speed limits.

E-motorcycles/e-motos (restricted): Do not have operational pedals and are treated as motorized vehicles. Police say:

• Illegal to ride on sidewalks or bike paths.
• Illegal on roadways without proper registration, insurance and required equipment including: headlights, taillights, turn signals and brake lights.
• Riders under 18 must have helmets and eye protection.
• Riders on roadways must have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement.

The goal is prevention. OPPD is asking parents to step in before someone is seriously hurt or killed and to know what their kids are riding, where they’re riding, and the laws that apply