Father Charged After Child Seriously Injured in E-Bike Crash
A Southern California father is facing criminal charges after his 12-year-old son suffered a traumatic brain injury in an e-bike crash.
Prosecutors say the child was riding a modified electric bike capable of reaching 60 mph when the collision occurred in Yorba Linda.
The boy reportedly ran a red light and was struck by a Honda Civic.
Severe Injuries Reported
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the child suffered:
- Concussion
- Intracranial bleeding
- Skull fracture
- Broken wrist
- Fractured femur
These injuries required emergency medical care and could have long-term neurological consequences.
Doctors note that head injuries in children can affect:
- Memory
- Learning ability
- Emotional regulation
- Physical coordination
Recovery may take months or longer.
Criminal Charges Filed
The boy’s father, Richard John Eyssallenne, 39, has been charged with:
- Felony child endangerment
- Felony child abuse
- Misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor
If convicted, prosecutors say he could face up to six years in prison.
Officials allege the father knowingly allowed the child to operate an illegally modified electric bike on public streets.
Modified Bike No Longer Qualified as an E-Bike
Investigators determined the bike had been altered in several ways.
Changes reportedly included:
- Removal of operable pedals
- Motor upgraded to 5,000 watts
- Speed limiter disabled
Because of those modifications, prosecutors say the vehicle no longer qualified as an electric bicycle under California law.
Instead, it was legally considered either:
- A motor-driven cycle (California Vehicle Code §405), or
- A motorcycle (Vehicle Code §400)
Both classifications require:
- A motorcycle license
- DMV registration
- License plates
- Insurance
- Motorcycle safety equipment
The 12-year-old rider was legally too young to operate such a vehicle.
Understanding California E-Bike Law
California law distinguishes e-bikes from motorcycles based on three factors:
| Feature | Legal E-Bike Limit |
| Motor power | Maximum 750 watts |
| Speed | Maximum 20–28 mph, depending on class |
| Pedals | Must have fully operable pedals |
If a vehicle exceeds these limits, it is no longer legally an e-bike.
Safety Steps for Families
Injury prevention experts recommend:
- Wear a helmet at all times
- Learn local e-bike laws
- Take safety training courses
- Avoid modifying e-bikes
- Consider age restrictions
Many safety experts advise children under 12 not to ride e-bikes at all.
Rights After a Brain Injury
When a child suffers a traumatic brain injury in a crash, families may face significant medical and financial challenges.
Depending on the circumstances, legal claims may involve:
- Driver negligence
- Product defects
- Unsafe road conditions
- Improper supervision
Compensation may include:
- Emergency medical care
- Neurological treatment and rehabilitation
- Long-term therapy and support
- Future care needs
Brain injuries in children can affect development for years.
Early medical and legal support is often critical.
How We Can Help
E-bike crashes are becoming one of the fastest-growing sources of brain injuries in children.
At the Brain Injury Help Center, we help families understand their rights after serious accidents.
We offer:
- Free consultations
- No-win, no-fee representation
- Guidance through medical and legal recovery
The medical treatment you need. Money you deserve.If your child suffered a brain injury in an e-bike crash, contact the Brain Injury Help Center to learn your options.
