Cape Coral parents warned about kids riding e-motos

Cape Coral residents are raising concerns about e-motos, electric motorcycles that resemble e-bikes but come with stricter rules and regulations.

Arsenio Godinho, owner of Paradise Bicycles, said the issue is widespread.

"It's a real issue that, that we're having not just in our city," Godinho said.

Reckless riders have been a problem across the Gulf Coast in recent months, and now, some electric bicycles are being identified as e-motos, which are classified as motorcycles.

Godinho explained the distinction after reviewing a video of a child riding what appeared to be an e-bike on Pelican Boulevard in Cape Coral.

"E-moto is essentially an electric motorcycle that has over 750 watts. It doesn't matter if it has working pedals or not. As soon as it has a motor that is above 750 watts, it is now classified as an electric motorcycle," Godinho said.

Cape Coral police have outlined the rules and regulations for e-bikes and e-motos on their website, including maximum speed limits, operational areas and licensing requirements.

Godinho cautioned parents about purchasing e-motos for their children.

"So, if you purchase your child an e-moto, and then they get pulled over and you get a citation, well, that's kind of on you as a parent because you purchased something that you knew wasn't really allowed without having a registered," Godinho said.

Lara Williamson, a Cape Coral resident, emphasized the importance of parental involvement.

"I think that parents should be hands-on and involved with their kids and not kind of just like unplugged and be setting those parameters, like, from home and making sure that their kids are following the rules," Williamson said.

E-motos are legally allowed on the road, but they must be registered vehicles and require a driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement.