Electric Bikes – No Big Deal

By Randall C. Resch

They’re the rage ’round the world—they’re everywhere! Unlike short-lived “electric scooters,” e-bikes cater to all ages for fun and no-effort sport. Recently, their popularity has resulted in increased police interaction, especially where vehicle code laws make them illegal. The problem is, e-bikes (in most states) are classified as “motor vehicles,” thus requiring driver’s licenses to operate them.

I’m an e-bike freak and often read about these high-dollar bikes that have taken the world by storm. Attractive to all age groups, you see them blasting down sidewalks, running lights at intersections, and jutting into traffic—oftentimes without warning. Especially attractive to parents, school-aged kids no longer have to be driven to school, nor do parents have to take them. Because they’re electric, they’re a “sit-atop machine” that doesn’t require “people power,” lending to a certain laziness and the creation of a community of unfit people.

Call it “stupid money”—one brand of e-bike is carbon fiber, lightweight, and capable of 60 miles per hour. These little zippers are state-of-the-art, and if you’re really dumb, the Aurumania Gold Edition boasts a $114,000 price tag—if it fits yer’ style. Ya’ can’t make this stuff up! This limited-edition e-bike features a gold-plated frame reportedly adorned with hundreds of Swarovski rhinestones, a marketing ploy attracting riders who roll in true bling style. Not in a bazillion years would most towers be able to afford a luxury machine like this, yet it’s satisfying to know just how good they look atop a carrier headed to a tow yard—with all those rhinestones blingin’ in the sun.

Kids and adults ride these tiny machines that are difficult to see, contributing to a rise in rider-versus-vehicle fatalities. Case in point: In May 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, a tower was making an inner-city right turn when the tow truck “crossed the path” of an adult e-bike rider. The rider was killed instantly; she was not wearing a helmet. Towers, be on extra alert—these e-bikes are in the streets and on sidewalks, riding willy-nilly with no regard for traffic safety. Vehicles and e-bikes don’t mesh!

How It’s Done

I watched a carrier operator load an e-bike atop a light-duty Pete one Saturday afternoon at the beach. The bike’s rider had been arrested for DUI, and the bike was being impounded. The tower’s process was slow and calculated—I was impressed by his skills. As the officer wrote the impound report, I found myself entertained by his actions as he retrieved a blanket from behind the truck’s seat. While preparing the e-bike in an upright load position, he strategically positioned the blanket to protect the bike from scratches.

Although securing an e-bike is similar to securing a motorcycle, without knowing anyone was watching him, he demonstrated real “wow factor,” doing an outstanding job. While experienced towers have tricks up their sleeves when loading motorcycles and the like, let this narrative serve as instruction for beginners considering these get-it-done techniques: -- If an “e-bike” is noted in police dispatch instructions, send an experienced operator with a carrier-- On arrival, set the tow truck’s e-brake; chock tire(s) to prevent rollaway-- Equip the tow truck with a thick furniture-loading blanket for padding-- Have ready motorcycle ratchet straps and soft cycle loops for tie-down-- Tilt and set the carrier deck solidly to the pavement-- With care not to slip and fall, roll the e-bike forward and center it against the winch fairlead roller-- Pad and protect the e-bike at contact points to avoid strap chafing-- Never use the tow winch for tie-down purposes-- At destination, off-load using the same care and safety-- Never allow the rider or owner onto a tilted carrier deck-- E-bikes use lithium-ion, sodium-ion, or solid-state batteries; determine a safe storage location and consider fire risk-- Release only according to vehicle code law and agency procedures

Stand By for Flak

Who knows if the laws will change, making these legal for recreational cruising? Until then, they’ll continue winding up on tow trucks headed to impound yards. Nonetheless, law enforcement is already chasing these e-bikes through inner-city streets, using newly enacted vehicle code sections to enforce impounds. If the rider is a juvenile, e-bikes can be impounded and held until released to a licensed driver.

With the “e-bike mentality” comes a sense of entitlement—suggesting rates charged for towing should be lower: “Towing an e-bike shouldn’t cost as much as towing a car.” Rest assured, e-bike owners will create headaches at the release window, especially when a “hold for release” is required by the impounding agency. Another question remains: How is a lien sale applied to e-bikes that aren’t promptly picked up?

For towers who think e-bikes are the same as a regular, good old schoolyard Schwinn—think again! These little buggers are easily damaged if operators aren’t careful during the load-and-go process. Since it’s rare (if ever) that an e-bike is impounded off the highway, take your time—work slowly and methodically to prevent damage.

Personally, the bigger picture says this: treat every load—or “e-bike dangle”—with total care, as if it were an irreplaceable, original, all-aluminum 1952 Aston Martin DB2. You bend it, you buy it!

Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired, veteran, California police officer, former tow business owner and industry advocate. As consultant and trainer, he authored and teaches tow truck operator safety courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. For 57-years, he has been involved in the towing and recovery industry. In 29-years, he has contributed more than 800-safety focused articles for American Towman Magazine, TowIndustryWeek.com and POLICE Magazine. He is a frequent seminar presenter and beauty pageant judge at tow shows. In 2014, he was inducted to the International Towing and Recovery Industry Hall of Fame, was the 3rd recipient of the industry's "Dave Jones Leadership Award," and is a member of American Towman’s Safety Committee.

Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.