Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan is warning riders and parents about the dangers and illegal use of electric dirt bikes and motorcycles as citations, crashes, and community complaints continue to rise.

“We are seeing a disturbing increase in unlicensed, high-speed electric dirt bike use in densely populated neighborhoods and high-traffic roadways,” Duncan said. “These bikes are not street legal, and the way they are being operated, primarily by juveniles, poses a significant risk to the riders and the public. Although the City Attorney’s Office appreciates outdoor recreation, use of these electronic dirt bikes will not be tolerated in this manner in the City of Sparks.”

City officials say electric off-road models, including brands such as SurRon, Talaria, and E-Pro, are not permitted on sidewalks, city parks, paths, or public roads, with limited exceptions.

State law prohibits their use, and Sparks Municipal Code reinforces those restrictions within city limits.

According to Duncan, off-highway bikes may only be legally operated on public roads to cross a highway, to load or unload, or during emergencies.

These motorized machines do not qualify as mopeds, electric scooters, or bicycles under Nevada law. They exceed wattage, weight, and speed limits, and do not have operable pedals, which are required for certain classifications. For example, the E-Ride Pro SR motocross bike can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour and runs on a 6,000-watt motor.

SurRon promotes its bikes as “easy to maneuver like a bicycle, with the torque and power of an off-road motorcycle,” and E-Pro markets its mission as “unparalleled off-road electric mobility.”

Officials emphasize these rides are designed for off-road use only. To be operated legally on public streets, they must be registered, insured, and equipped with required safety gear such as turn signals, mirrors, tail lamps, a horn, and more. Operators must also hold a valid driver’s license. Even when street legal, all traffic laws must still be followed.

The Sparks Police Department has reported a growing number of service calls, severe crashes, and complaints involving these types of off-road vehicles. Several riders have been cited for reckless driving and other violations tied to unsafe or unlawful use.

In the past six months, the department’s Major Accident Investigation Team has responded to three serious crashes involving electric dirt bikes.

On January 22 and June 8, officers responded to two separate crashes on or near Vista Boulevard involving juveniles riding unauthorized off-road units, a Coleman mini bike, and a Talaria dirt bike, who were struck by a car, resulting in severe injuries and EMS transport.

On July 19, another juvenile riding a Coleman mini bike on a public roadway was involved in a near-fatal crash while violating traffic laws.

“These vehicles are not toys, and we continue to see an increase in dangerous usage of these vehicles on public roadways,” Duncan said. “They are powerful machines that can cause serious harm when misused. Riders must understand that ignoring traffic laws or operating these bikes in unauthorized areas puts lives at risk and will not be tolerated. Our top priority is keeping everyone in the community safe, and even though school has started, the community is still facing this issue daily.”

For more information about the legal and safe operation of motor vehicles, contact the Sparks City Attorney’s Office or Sergeant Shawn Congdon at the Sparks Police Department at 775-353-2241, extension 5530.