BEND, Ore. (Sep. 8, 2026) — Bend police cited three juveniles after responding to reports of a large group of teens riding e-motorcycles and e-bikes through city streets in what authorities described as a takeover-style event.
Police received multiple calls at about 4:51 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, reporting that more than 30 riders had gathered at the Mt. Bachelor Park & Ride parking lot before taking over lanes of travel and riding throughout Bend, including downtown, Galveston Avenue and other westside roads.
Callers reported that riders were behaving recklessly, including performing wheelies and failing to follow traffic laws, according to police.
Officers responded to the area and attempted to stop the group. Police said many of the riders failed to stop and fled the area. Failing to stop for an officer during a traffic stop is a felony, police said.
Officers conducted area checks and cited three juveniles.
A 14-year-old riding an e-bike was cited and referred to Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice for operating without a driver’s license.
A 15-year-old riding an e-motorcycle capable of traveling more than 50 mph was cited for failing to wear a helmet, operating a moped on a sidewalk and operating without a driver’s license. The vehicle was impounded.
A 12-year-old riding an e-motorcycle capable of traveling 34 mph was stopped while attempting to access the Bend Parkway. The juvenile was referred to Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice for operating without a driver’s license.
Police also located additional e-motorcycles hidden at a residence. The homeowner requested that the vehicles be removed, and officers collected them as found property.
With the school year getting underway, Bend police are reminding parents and families to understand the laws governing e-bikes and electric motorcycles.
Police said children under 16 are not legally allowed to ride e-bikes and that e-bikes cannot be operated on sidewalks.
Authorities also warned that many electric vehicles being used on local roadways are capable of speeds exceeding 28 mph without pedaling. Off-road electric motorcycles that cannot be registered are not legal for use on city streets, sidewalks or trails within city limits.
Police encouraged families to make sure young riders understand the rules and that the vehicles they operate are legal for use on public roads and other areas.
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