Anne Arundel Police Launch Operation C.A.R.E. to Educate E-Moto Riders

Electric mobility is changing how young people travel in Anne Arundel County, but it has also brought new risks to shared spaces. On Thursday, local police announced Operation C.A.R.E., a new campaign designed to educate the public about the rules governing e-bikes and e-motos.

The acronym stands for Community Awareness & Rider Education. Officers stated that they have observed a rise in high-speed riding on sidewalks and reckless behavior on community trails. They also noted an increase in unlicensed minors operating powerful, unregistered e-motos on public roads without protective gear.

The campaign prioritizes education over immediate citations. School resource officers will visit middle and high schools to brief students on the laws. Meanwhile, police officers and park rangers will patrol parks and trails to speak directly with young riders and answer their questions.

Law enforcement is also engaging with local retailers. Officials want to help parents understand the specific models they are purchasing. Some parents believe they are buying low-speed, pedal-assist bicycles, but certain models can reach speeds comparable to dirt bikes. These vehicles may be legally classified as unregistered motorcycles.

Police emphasized that unlicensed minors cannot legally operate high-powered e-motos on public roads, sidewalks, or county parks. While enforcement remains an option for repeat violations, the department hopes to reduce accidents through clear communication.

The initiative follows a crash on Robinson Road in Severna Park that killed 14-year-old Ryan Beales. Neighbors in the area subsequently called for stricter rules and increased enforcement of e-moto safety standards.