Colorado Police ask residents to help identify electric motorcycle offenders
Police departments across the United States are trying to find a solution to the problem associated with the rapid increase in the number of Sur-Ron electric motorcycles, dirt bikes, and powerful e-bikes that have flooded suburban streets and trails. Now one town in Colorado is taking a new approach: it is asking residents to report offenders directly to the police via an anonymous online portal.
The Parker Police Department, south of Denver, recently launched the “E-Bike, Dirt Bike, and E-Motorcycle Safety Reporting” tool. This resource allows residents to send information about the location, a description of the rider, and details of allegedly dangerous behavior. The form includes items such as “stunt riding,” “dangerous lane changes,” “running stop signs,” and even “no dangerous actions / just riding.”
The difference between e-bikes and e-motorcycles
Importantly, the police clearly distinguish between genuine e-bikes, designed for commuting, trail riding, and recreation, and e-motorcycles, which are often nearly impossible to use solely with pedals. According to the department, many riders are likely operating vehicles without a license, insurance, or registration, and are damaging parks, trails, and private property. There has been a nationwide increase in cases of illegal use of powerful e-motorcycles.
Parker Police also mentioned a recent case in California where a mother was charged with involuntary manslaughter after her 14-year-old son allegedly struck and killed an 81-year-old man while riding an e-motorcycle. Authorities note that this incident highlights the potential dangers associated with the misuse of powerful electric bicycles.
Collective monitoring system and criticism
At the same time, the new system effectively creates a monitoring network based on collective efforts, where residents can anonymously report riders without direct contact with law enforcement. While proponents will likely argue that this enhances public safety, critics may see it as yet another example of the expanding surveillance culture penetrating everyday mobility.
One local resident told Carscoops: “This isn’t an e-bike or e-motorcycle problem. It’s a people problem. If kids are running from the police, that’s a parenting problem. Either way, it’s about the person operating it, not the type of transport.”
Whether Parker’s new reporting system becomes a model for other cities or a flashpoint in the debate over surveillance and micromobility remains to be seen. One thing is clear: cities and police departments are rapidly losing patience with powerful e-motorcycles operating in legal gray zones, especially amid a rise in accidents, complaints, and viral social media videos.
Credit: Parker Police Department
This move by the Parker Police reflects a broader trend where law enforcement agencies are trying to adapt traditional control methods to new forms of transport that often do not fit within existing legal frameworks. While anonymous reports can help identify dangerous riding, they also raise questions about potential abuse, false reports, and excessive control. At the same time, the growing popularity of powerful e-motorcycles among young people, who often lack licenses and do not understand the risks, creates a real threat to road safety. This forces local authorities to seek a balance between freedom of movement, community safety, and effective law enforcement, which will likely become a subject of further discussion in many American cities.