‘Not toys’: 2 teens charged with reckless operation after e-dirtbike incident in Vermilion

VERMILION, Ohio (WOIO) - After the Vermilion Police Department charged two teens Wednesday with reckless operation and operating without a driver’s license, the Vermilion police chief is now issuing a warning to parents.

At 4:12 p.m., an officer from the Vermilion Police Department saw two teens, a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old, driving e-dirtbikes on Liberty Avenue near Vermilion Road.

Police said this incident occurred during heavy traffic.

Police said the teens were driving recklessly, weaving between lanes and doing wheelies.

The officer conducted a traffic stop on the teens, but the two split up and attempted to flee from police.

The officer was able to take both into custody.

Police said both were charged with reckless operation, operating without a driver’s license, and operating a nonregistered vehicle on the roadway.

Both e-dirtbikes were towed and impounded.

Chief Holmes issued a warning to parents, advising them and their children that these bikes “are not toys.”

“An e-dirtbike like this costs thousands of dollars. It is capable of speeds up to 50 mph. It is not a bicycle or any classification of e-bicycle, it is an e-dirtbike and is not street legal, it is made for off-road use only,” Chief Holmes said.

Anyone with questions on regulations for e-bikes and e-dirt bikes is encouraged to contact the Vermilion Police Department.