A late Thursday stop on an electric off-highway motorcycle in San Diego escalated into a short chase, a flaming e-moto and a rider hauled off on felony charges, according to police. Officers put out the fire at the scene, then documented evidence as they prepared their case against the suspect.
Police Say Simple Stop Turned Into Brief Pursuit
According to the San Diego Police Department, officers tried to pull over a rider on an electric off-highway motorcycle when the person took off, prompting a short pursuit. The department said the e-moto later caught fire during the stop, and officers used extinguishers to put out the flames before arresting the rider.
Police reported finding a large quantity of drugs during the incident. The rider now faces multiple felony counts, including allegations of evading officers and suspected drug sales, according to the department.
New State Rules Put eMotos In Off-Highway Category
California lawmakers recently clarified how machines like this are treated under state law. Senate Bill 586 added Vehicle Code section 436.1, which defines an “off-highway electric motorcycle” and places eMotos in the off-highway motor vehicle category. That classification effectively makes them off-limits on public streets…