Police Cracking Down On Electric Motorcycles In One Metro Detroit City

BIRMINGHAM, MI — Police in one metro Detroit city are cracking down on electric motorcycles.

Birmingham Police say they noticed more people, mostly kids, riding electric motorcycles throughout the city's streets and sidewalks.

Police said the electric motorcycles are not only illegal to operate within the city, but they also pose a significant safety risk to the riders, other motorists and pedestrians.

Under Michigan state law, an electric motorcycle is considered a motorcycle because it doesn't have any pedals.

Therefore, the motorcycle must meet all safety requirements before it can be deemed street legal. The rider must also have a proper license from the Secretary of State, police said.

Police said parents can face a misdemeanor for allowing their unlicensed children to drive an electric motorcycle.

"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," Police said in a statement. "Birmingham officers will be providing strict enforcement."