Anne Arundel Police Launch Operation C.A.R.E. to Curb E-Moto Risks

Anne Arundel County police announced Operation C.A.R.E. on Thursday, shifting resources toward educating families about electric vehicle laws. The program, an acronym for Community Awareness & Rider Education, responds to a rise in reckless riding and unlicensed minors operating high-powered e-motos on public infrastructure.

The department reports that high-speed riding on sidewalks and unregistered e-motos on community trails have become common issues. Officers noted that some riders operate these vehicles without protective gear. The campaign will prioritize working with families and students rather than issuing immediate citations, though enforcement remains an option for repeat offenders.

School resource officers will brief middle and high school students on safety protocols. Police officers and county park rangers will also conduct joint patrols in parks and on trails. These officers will engage directly with young riders to answer questions and clarify legal requirements.

The initiative also targets the retail sector to address a common consumer misunderstanding. Police say many parents purchase e-motos believing they are low-speed, pedal-assist bicycles. However, some models reach speeds comparable to dirt bikes and are legally classified as unregistered motorcycles. The department plans to distribute materials to local retailers to clarify these distinctions.

Under current rules, unlicensed minors cannot legally operate high-powered e-motos on public roads, sidewalks, or county parks and trails. The launch of the campaign follows the death of 14-year-old Ryan Beales in a crash on Robinson Road in Severna Park. Neighbors in the area have called for stricter rules and increased enforcement following the accident.