Keller police warn parents and teens about legal risks and safety concerns of e-bike misuse as reckless riding incidents rise, potentially leading to felony charges.
KELLER, Texas — Keller police are warning parents and teens about the dangers and legal consequences tied to improper e-bike use as officers report a rise in complaints across North Texas heading into summer.
Keller Police recently released dash-camera video showing a group of teens riding e-bikes recklessly through Keller streets. Investigators said the riders were performing bike tricks and attempting to evade officers during the encounter along Johnson Road. Police said they are following strong leads to identify the teens involved.
“They were doing wheelies on the road, they were speeding,” Keller Police Deputy Chief Ryan Coe said. “They were video recording us, kind of in a mini pursuit, trying to pull these guys over. Ultimately, that’s felony evading.”
Once identified, the teens are likely to face charges, according to Coe.
Keller police posted the dash cam footage on social media, hoping the public could help identify the riders. Officers said they are taking the incidents seriously as e-bike use continues to grow among teens during summer break.
The department is now distributing an Electric Vehicle Use Guide and placing digital warning signs in high traffic areas to educate riders about safety rules and traffic laws.
“Another reason why we’re taking a zero-tolerance stance,” Coe said.
Police said the concern is not only about dangerous behavior but also about deadly crashes involving young riders.
In July 2023, a 14-year-old riding an e-bike in The Colony died after police said he was hit by an SUV. No charges were filed against the driver in that case.
Another deadly e-bike crash happened in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where police said teen rider Samuel Alfaro crashed into a pickup truck after failing to stop. His friend, Angel Lopez, described how much he meant to their family.
“He was like a brother to me,” Angel Lopez said.
Coe said parents should take an active role in understanding how their children operate e-bikes and where they are legally allowed to ride them.
“For the parents, they need to understand how their child is operating on it?” Coe said. “Do they know where they’re supposed to be? And do they know the rules of the road?”
Keller police are also reminding families to learn helmet requirements for younger riders. Violators are subject to citations and towing if caught breaking the law, said Coe.
In addition to digital message boards, the department plans to install permanent signs along city trail systems aimed at educating riders before more dangerous behavior is caught on camera.
“We’re getting permanent signs on our trail systems as well,” Coe said.