Police Crackdown on E-Moto Use by Minors in Wausau
Wausau’s law enforcement is taking decisive action against the illegal use of high-powered electric motorcycles, known as e-motos, by minors on local streets. The recent arrest of a juvenile who attempted to flee police highlights the broader issue of these undistinguished machines causing safety and regulatory challenges.
The individual in question, not old enough to drive legally, was apprehended while riding what appeared to be an e-bike but was, in fact, an e-moto. Wausau Police Lieutenant Jacob Chittum explained, “It’s the exact same charge as if you were in a motor vehicle or a motorcycle,” emphasizing the legal classification of these machines as motorcycles.
This incident is part of a larger trend, as officers have frequently engaged with the same young rider due to repeated violations. On Sunday, the youth’s e-moto was confiscated, and he faced felony charges for fleeing authorities.
One challenge is the ambiguity surrounding e-motos, which remain undefined under Wisconsin law, as highlighted by Madison’s city website. These devices occupy a gray area because they resemble e-bikes but possess significantly higher power.
The Wisconsin Bike Fed, a cycling advocacy group, calls for a standardized state framework to address this issue, similar to existing regulations for e-bikes.
Police in Wausau have confiscated at least nine e-motos this year, all from minors. Lt. Chittum noted the increasing number of such cases, saying, “We’ve seen kind of an influx over the summer with kids driving these illegal e-motos throughout (Wausau).”
Local residents like Brent Schmaling have also noticed the proliferation of e-motos, which are seen on roads and even sidewalks. Schmaling remarked, “Actually, I saw one on the sidewalk the other day as I was leaving a business, went zipping by on the sidewalk.”
Concerns about safety are growing, as data from the American Family Children’s Hospital reported over 100 emergency room visits linked to e-scooters and similar devices from April to July, a stark increase from 15 incidents in the same period the previous year.
Various local governments are responding to the challenge. Waukesha’s Common Council discussed potential restrictions on e-bikes and e-scooters in June, while West Bend has already passed regulations regarding their use on sidewalks. Chetek’s police chief announced that e-scooters are not permitted on county roads.
Efforts to curb the misuse of e-motos in Wausau include urging parents to prevent their children from riding these machines illegally. The police department posted online, “Parents need to step up and stop permitting their children from riding them on public roadways. Let’s keep your children safe.”
