Over the last year, the Clayton Police Department has seen a sharp rise in the use of E-Bikes, motorized E-Scooters, and electric off-highway motorcycles (dirt bikes) throughout the city, parks, and trail system. This trend isn’t unique to Clayton—law enforcement partners across California report similar increases, along with a troubling rise in injury collisions and fatalities. Some of these vehicles, such as standard E-Bikes, are street legal and follow the same rules as pedal bicycles. However, high-powered models like Surron and Talaria are actually classified as motorcycles. These require off-highway registration, insurance, and a motorcycle-endorsed driver’s license. They can only be operated in designated off-highway vehicle areas. Since June 2024, the Clayton Police Department has focused on education—distributing handouts, posting on social media, and working with schools to inform the public. Unfortunately, unsafe usage has continued to rise. Reports include riders speeding on trails, driving recklessly in parks, and darting in and out of traffic with no regard for safety. In some cases, riders on E-Motorcycles have even fled from police. Clayton is a close-knit community, and we’re committed to keeping our roads, parks, and trails safe. We do not want to join the list of cities where unsafe operation of these vehicles has resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. Effective immediately, on May 12, 2025, the Clayton Police Department has moved into a period of maximum enforcement. Officers will be issuing citations in full accordance with the California Vehicle Code and Clayton Municipal Code. Riders and operators may be ticketed, arrested, or have their vehicles impounded. Parents or owners could also face citations or criminal charges, depending on the violation.
The goal of this enforcement is simple: prevent tragedy and protect our community. In addition to state laws, the following Clayton Municipal Codes apply:
10.56.200 – Riding in Parks/Playgrounds & Schools
10.56.140 – Passengers
10.56.160 – Racing Prohibited
10.56.170 – Trick Riding
10.58.020 – Skateboards and Similar Devices
11.04.200 – Vehicles in Parks
For questions or concerns about E-Scooter, E-Bike, or E-Motorcycle enforcement, contact Traffic Officer Mitch Stroski at mitchell.stroski@claytoncapolice.gov or 925-673-7350.
You can run but you cant hide from Concord PD. Theyre not leaving anything behind.
but they are though..
These kids are a danger the trails we ride on. The Surrons and like e-bikes (shich are bascially motorcycles as you dont have to pedal) have NO right to be on the trails and should be licensed like motorcycles, they tear up the trails really bad when used off road, i see it all the time as an avid manual mountain biker.
Sounds good – I’ll believe it when we see them on the trails…. cities of WC, PH, Alamo, & Concord should follow – bet they won’t though
They are supposed to have a license plate too which is apparently all required for these vehicles from the DMV. The plate (last I checked) is $18 but I suspect you most likely need a driver’s license to get it.
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There were a couple of kids racing around the Martinez waterfront park the other day as if it was their own private race track. I haven’t seen park police patrols there like they used to have (budget cuts I guess).
What about Concord PD.. doesn’t matter?I can eater my lawn without some dork riding 30 mph on the sidewalk almost causing me and anyone serious injury.I might start doing the stick in the wheel flip trick….they will wake up ( will take 3 days though)
Opps -Cant water my lawn
Where is the law about riding a motorized vehicle on the sidewalk?
Whenwilltheylearn,,,,thats right, lets keep Grandma and her mobility scooter in traffic where she belongs
My fast reflexes stopped me from running down children on eBikes blowing through stop signs without looking and without helmets and TWO occasions last week. It’s so freaking out-of-control. Couldn’t have been older than 10 years-old.
I now have to ride my e bike on city streets which is much more dangerous than the bike trails with all of the distracted drivers.
When I ride on Mt.Diablo, sometimes have to enter through a small section of the city park at the end of Regency Dr or Weatherly Dr how is that going to work?
“I now have to ride my e bike on city streets which is much more dangerous than the bike trails with all of the distracted drivers.
When I ride on Mt.Diablo, sometimes have to enter through a small section of the city park at the end of Regency Dr or Weatherly Dr how is that going to work?”
Well that sounds like a “you” problem & not a community one like the article was referencing. Try walking it may take a little bit more time but definitely more healthy for you & less dangerous for the park & people around your travel path…
Apparently regular consistent enforcement is a bridge too far.