ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - BostonChron -- Two fatal Southern California incidents involving electric bikes and high-powered electric motorcycles are drawing renewed attention to the growing safety and legal risks facing families, schools, and communities.

On May 7, 2026, a 13-year-old boy was killed in Garden Grove in an incident involving an electric bike. Just one week earlier, on April 30, 2026, 81-year-old Ed Ashman died in Lake Forest after being struck in a collision involving a youth rider operating a high-powered electric motorcycle The back-to-back tragedies have intensified public discussion surrounding youth-operated electric vehicles that may exceed legal e-bike classifications while still being marketed to parents as standard e-bikes.

More on Boston Chron

• GitKraken Introduces Code Flow, a Framework for Software Development in the Agentic Era
• RIGHT CARS Announces Landmark African Expansion Through Strategic Collaboration Agreement Across Eight Nations
• Boston Industrial Solutions' Natron® 717N Series UV LED Ink Receives CPSIA Certification
• Boston: Traffic Advisory for June 15, 2026
• purelyIV Expands Mobile IV Therapy to Jackson, MI and Launches PlaqueX® IV Therapy

Beth Black, author of The Caring Parent's e-bike Survival Guide (Second Edition), says many families unknowingly purchase high-powered electric vehicles without fully understanding the speed capabilities, legal classifications, safety risks, and potential liability issues associated with them.

The book was written to help parents make informed purchasing decisions, better understand the differences between legal e-bikes and high-powered e-motos, recognize warning signs when shopping for electric vehicles, and encourage safer riding practices for teens and young riders before preventable tragedies occur.

More on Boston Chron

• Leimert Juneteenth Community Celebration Set for Friday, June 19, in Leimert Park Village
• UK Financial Ltd Publishes Maya Preferred Public Proof Package and CoinMarketCap Supply Verification Evidence
• Advancing High-Potential Nevada Critical Minerals Portfolio as Major Drill Program Nears Assay Results: Glenstar Minerals: Stock Symbol: GSTRF
• Allstream Energy Partners to Host 6th Executive Networking After 2026 Energy Projects Conference
• ClaraWell Broadens Seasonal Health Support with AllergiesRisk and SinusRisk

"Many parents believe they are purchasing a traditional e-bike when, in reality, some of these vehicles operate more like electric motorcycles," said Black. "The confusion surrounding these products can have devastating consequences for families and communities. Too often, communities respond only after a tragedy occurs. Bellemont Project was created to take a proactive approach by helping parents better understand these vehicles before preventable accidents happen."

About Bellemont Project.  Bellemont Project, a consumer safety and public awareness initiative, is increasing outreach to schools, community leaders, and parents to encourage greater awareness regarding youth rider safety, responsible operation, and the importance of understanding the differences between legal e-bikes and high-powered e-motos.

Additional information and educational resources are available at BellemontProject.com.