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OC parents of teen who died in e-motorcycle crash face child endangerment charges
E-motorcycles require a driver’s license because they are classified as motor vehicles.
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Kevin Carter
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Parents of a 13-year-old who died while driving an e-motorcycle face child endangerment charges, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
What happened? In May, the teen, Benson Nguyen, was driving more than 40 mph when he crashed into a center divider. The DA’s office said Benson was ejected from the e-motorcycle and died after striking a concrete light pole.
What we know: Vu Thanh Nguyen, the boy’s father, was charged this week with one felony count of child endangerment and one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He faces up to six years in state prison. Benson’s mother, Hong Cuc Thi Nguyen, was charged with one misdemeanor count of child endangerment. She faces up to one year in county jail. Arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 12. Lawyers for both parents could not be immediately reached for comment.
What are the rules? E-bikes are classified in three tiers based on motor power, max speed and pedals. But e-motorcycles, like the one Benson was riding, require a driver’s license because they are classified as motor vehicles.
Officials say: Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement Tuesday that the loss of a child is a price no parent should pay. “But grief does not erase the decisions that were made by Benson’s parents to continue to allow their untrained and unlicensed 13-year-old to illegally ride an E-Moto after repeated warnings and repeated injuries and grief does not erase the need for accountability,” Spitzer said.
Dig deeper … E-bikes are Orange County teens’ ticket to independence. But are they too dangerous?
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