Palm Desert police launch e‑bike patrols after four‑day training; officials warn parents about high‑powered e‑motorcycles

The Palm Desert Police Department announced expanded bicycle and e‑bike patrols and community outreach after deputies completed a four‑day training program that included an e‑bike course, Lieutenant Porras and Deputy Lyon said March 26.

Lieutenant Porras described a recent free e‑bike safety course at Civic Center Park for adult riders and said school resource officers are also teaching e‑bike safety to students. Deputy Lyon said nine members of the business-district and special enforcement teams completed a course combining analog bicycle training and a one‑day e‑bike module; he described patrol e‑bikes used by deputies as capable of around 28 mph and suitable for navigating dense commercial corridors and residential alleys.

Deputy Lyon warned that many privately sold high‑powered “e‑motorcycles” exceed legal wattage limits, can reach 30–70+ mph, and pose significant safety risks to children. He said the department uses an education-first approach but has issued citations, towed vehicles and, in extreme incidents, pursued child endangerment charges where injuries occur. He urged parents to know what they are buying for their children and to ensure off‑road stickering and licensing when applicable.

The department will continue outreach and school training, and city staff said they will produce educational content and monitor enforcement results. The council thanked staff and encouraged continued safety education and community engagement.