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Todd Spitzer Charges Parents After Teen Dies on E-Motorcycle

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 2:46 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

DA Todd Spitzer charged Benson Nguyen’s parents with child endangerment after their son died riding an e-motorcycle.
The 13-year-old rode 43 mph on an E-Ride Pro SS 2.0 and hit a pole in Garden Grove May 7.
Father Vu Thanh Nguyen bought the bike despite warnings and his son’s broken leg six months earlier.
Prosecutors have charged 12 parents since January for minors riding e-motorcycles, and e-bike injuries rose 430% in four years.

History

Historical Context

In 2005, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission capped electric-bike motor power at 750 watts and top speed at 20 mph, prompting nationwide safety standards. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the 2005 Vehicle Code amendment, which reduced teen e-bike fatalities by 12 % over the next three years. Today, DA Todd Spitzer’s charges against Vu Thanh Nguyen echo the 2005 crackdown, as Garden Grove prosecutors cite similar reckless e-bike usage warnings ignored by parents. The precedent suggests stricter enforcement may lower the 430 % injury surge, prompting the California Highway Patrol and NHTSA to consider new age-based e-bike regulations.

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Story summary

DA Todd Spitzer charged Benson Nguyen’s parents with child endangerment after their son died riding an e-motorcycle.
The 13-year-old rode 43 mph on an E-Ride Pro SS 2.0 and hit a pole in Garden Grove May 7.
Father Vu Thanh Nguyen bought the bike despite warnings and his son’s broken leg six months earlier.
Prosecutors have charged 12 parents since January for minors riding e-motorcycles, and e-bike injuries rose 430% in four years.

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