A series of aggressive acts attributed to e-bike riders has caused alarm in Elk Grove, California, prompting local law enforcement to increase patrols and city leaders to consider new regulations. Residents have described incidents where groups of young riders, often referred to as an "e-bike gang," have thrown rocks at passing vehicles and harassed members of the community.
One resident, Karen Vethekar, recounted an experience where a group of e-bike riders followed her home from a local park, with surveillance footage showing them gathered outside her residence. "This is what the kids are doing here, throwing rocks," Vethekar said, describing the incidents as making the streets unsafe and putting everyone at risk.
Elk Grove Police spokeswoman Julissa Ortiz acknowledged the growing concern, stating that the department has received complaints and is stepping up its presence in affected areas. "We know that it's an ongoing problem," Ortiz said. "Throwing rocks, intimidating people in these communities can turn dangerous very quickly."
The Elk Grove city council is scheduled to review proposed regulations aimed at curbing the behavior. Data from the city indicates a significant rise in e-bike-related calls for service, jumping from approximately seven in 2023 to 62 in 2025, with 122 recorded by the start of 2026. Bicycle-related collisions in Elk Grove have also more than doubled between 2023 and 2025, from 51 to 110, with a total of 238 collisions during that period, resulting in 27 major injuries.
Under the proposed rules, personal transportation devices, including e-bikes, would be prohibited from sidewalks unless explicitly permitted by signage. Riders would be required to yield to pedestrians and provide an audible warning when passing. Additionally, a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit would be established for bicycles and personal transportation devices on bikeways, and activities such as reckless riding, racing, and performing tricks would be forbidden.
These measures are intended to address what officials and residents describe as a growing menace that has created a climate of fear and disrupts daily life in the Sacramento-area community.