BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – Police in at least one Metro Detroit city are cracking down on electronic motorcycles.
Birmingham police said they’ve noticed more electronic motorcycles around the city, many times driven by children.
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"Most of these devices are not only illegal to operate within the city, they also pose a significant safety risk to the riders, other motorists, and pedestrians," Birmingham police said.
Electronic motorcycles without pedals are considered motorcycles under Michigan state law, so they’re not allowed on sidewalks, according to police. They must also be licensed through the Secretary of State.
The motorcycles have to meet all safety requirements and be street legal in order for someone to receive a license for it, police said. The driver must also have a driver’s license with a cycle endorsement.
Birmingham police said most of the people they see on these electronic motorcycles are children.
“While there are certainly legal ramifications for those operating these devices illegally, there are also ramifications for those purchasing them and allowing their unlicensed children to operate them,” the release says.
It’s a misdemeanor to let an unlicensed child drive a motor vehicle, officials said.
“The Birmingham Police Department asks for your cooperation in helping us to ensure everyone’s safety by not permitting the use of these devices within the city,” the release says. “Birmingham officers will be providing strict enforcement.”