Fullerton, California — A modified e-motorcycle crash in Fullerton court proceedings has brought renewed attention to electric motorcycle safety after prosecutors accused a Yorba Linda father of helping modify the vehicle his 12-year-old son was riding when the boy was critically injured in a 2025 collision. The crash itself occurred in Yorba Linda, while the criminal case has proceeded through the North Justice Center in Fullerton.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the July 20, 2025 collision happened near Via Lomas De Yorba West and La Palma Avenue. Prosecutors allege the boy entered the intersection against a red light and was struck by an eastbound Honda Civic whose driver attempted to avoid him.
The 12-year-old suffered a skull fracture, intracranial bleeding, a broken wrist, a fractured femur, and other injuries. Dashcam footage from a vehicle traveling behind the Honda captured the collision.
The boy’s father, Richard John Eyssallenne, is charged with felony child endangerment and abuse and misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He has pleaded not guilty. Recent reporting said a preliminary hearing was held in the case, where evidence included body-camera footage and testimony from law enforcement.
What Authorities Say About the Modified E-Motorcycle
Investigators examined the 2024 Talaria XXX after the crash and concluded that it did not legally qualify as an electric bicycle.
According to prosecutors:
- The original pedals had been replaced with motorcycle-style foot pegs.
- The vehicle could produce a peak output of about 5,000 watts.
- Its factory speed-limiting system had been altered.
- Disabling the limiter could allow the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 60 mph.
- The boy had previously been cited for illegally operating the same e-motorcycle.
Authorities said the child, his younger brother, and their father had also previously attended an e-bike safety presentation after the earlier citation.
California Law on Modified Electric Bikes
California Vehicle Code § 312.5 defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor generally limited to 750 watts or less. The statute also establishes California’s Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bike categories.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s investigation, the modified Talaria involved in this case no longer met those requirements. Authorities instead classified it as a motor-driven cycle under Vehicle Code § 405 or as a motorcycle under § 400, which impose additional licensing, registration, insurance, and equipment requirements for street operation.
The case illustrates why modifying a speed limiter, motor output, or pedal configuration can change how an electric two-wheeler is treated under California law.
What Evidence Matters After an E-Motorcycle Injury Crash?
After a serious e-motorcycle collision, the vehicle itself can become one of the most important pieces of evidence in a potential California personal injury claim.
Families should consider preserving:
- The e-motorcycle without repairing or modifying it further
- Manufacturer labels and serial numbers
- Motor, controller, and speed-limiter components
- Purchase and modification records
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Police or sheriff’s collision reports
- Witness information
- Medical records and expenses
- Insurance information for all involved parties
In this case, law enforcement’s inspection of the motorcycle and dashcam footage helped establish how the vehicle had been modified and how the collision occurred.
A criminal case does not automatically establish a right to civil compensation. Any personal injury claim would still depend on negligence, available insurance, vehicle ownership, possible product issues, and the specific evidence surrounding the collision.
We Can Help You. Call Us Today.
The Motorcyclist Attorney can investigate an e-motorcycle collision, preserve the vehicle and digital evidence, evaluate how California law classifies the device, and review potential insurance or personal injury claims.
We offer free consultations and representation focused on California riders and their families. Every case depends on its individual facts and evidence, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Call 844-284-9437 to speak with our California motorcycle accident attorney.
