Folsom police are deploying drones and running patrols to crack down on reckless e-motorcycle riders near Prospector Park. The city is also drafting an ordinance that could bring fines up to $500.

Sgt. Derek Koupal, a Folsom Police Department spokesperson, told ABC10 that Prospector Park generates the most calls about reckless riding. Koupal said the department has been conducting high-impact patrols and using drones to reduce the risk to the public, with e-motorcycles as a particular focus.

As we reported Oct. 7, police conducted a targeted enforcement operation on Sept. 25 in which a group of riders on illegal e-motorcycles fled when officers tried to stop them. Officers used a drone to track the group and stopped one juvenile rider, who was cited for criminal and traffic violations. The e-motorcycle was towed.

Monit Vates, a father of two who lives near Prospector Park, told ABC10 the problem has escalated over the past couple of years. He described seeing kids as young as 12 doing wheelies down the street and running through stop signs.

"A part of you just kind of sits back and worries, what if I accidentally collide with someone?" Vates said.

City ordinance in the works

The enforcement push comes as the Folsom City Council works toward a new e-conveyance ordinance. On Sept. 8, the council held a first reading of two proposed measures and unanimously continued both to a future meeting, directing staff to combine them into a single ordinance with higher fines, Folsom Times reported.

The council directed staff to return with a revised fine structure: $100 for a first violation, $250 for a second and $500 for subsequent violations within one year.

Police Chief Adam Green presented data at the Sept. 8 meeting showing e-bike collisions doubled in 2025 compared with the previous two years. Juveniles were involved in 72% of those collisions, and the e-bike rider was at fault in 70% of cases. Folsom Parks and Recreation spent more than $37,000 over six months repairing damage from improper e-bike use, including turf fields, sports courts and grass.

"We're on track to have another increase this year," Green told the council at the September meeting, according to Folsom Times.

Koupal told ABC10 the specifics of the proposed ordinance are still under revision. Police said they will notify residents of the ordinance details if it is passed.

Under California law, e-motorcycles must be registered with the DMV, and riders need a license with an M1 or M2 endorsement, according to the city's e-bike information page. Adding pedals to an e-motorcycle does not reclassify it as an e-bike. These vehicles may not be ridden on trails, bike lanes or sidewalks.

Residents who witness reckless e-bike or e-motorcycle riding can call the Folsom Police Department's non-emergency line at 916-355-7231. For emergencies, call 911.