Dad Charged After Giving Son, 12, a 'Loaded Weapon'

California father accused of modifying e-motorcycle to reach 60 mph, letting unlicensed boy ride it

Mar. 7, 2026 at 1:30am

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A 39-year-old California father has been charged with child endangerment and abuse after prosecutors say he modified his 12-year-old son's electric motorcycle to reach speeds up to 60 mph, then allowed the unlicensed boy to ride it on public streets, leading to a crash that left the child seriously injured.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of allowing underage, unlicensed children to operate high-powered motorized vehicles on public roads, as well as the legal liability parents can face for enabling such reckless behavior that puts their child and others at risk.

The details

Investigators say Richard John Eyssallenne disabled the speed-limiting tool on his son's Talaria XXX e-motorcycle and swapped out the pedals, allowing the bike to reach freeway speeds. Under California law, e-motorcycle riders must be at least 16, licensed, insured, and wearing appropriate safety gear - none of which applied to Eyssallenne's 12-year-old son, who had previously been cited for illegally operating an e-bike.

  • In the summer of 2025, Eyssallenne's son allegedly ran a red light on the modified e-motorcycle and crashed into a car, suffering serious injuries including a broken femur and fractured skull.
  • In December 2024, the 12-year-old boy and his father were ordered to attend a police-run e-bike safety class after the boy was cited for illegally operating an e-motorcycle.

The players

Richard John Eyssallenne

A 39-year-old California father who has been charged with child endangerment and abuse for modifying his 12-year-old son's electric motorcycle to reach speeds up to 60 mph and allowing the unlicensed boy to ride it on public streets.

Todd Spitzer

The Orange County District Attorney who called the modified e-motorcycle a "loaded weapon" in the hands of a child and warned that parents who enable such reckless behavior will be prosecuted.

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What they’re saying

“There is absolutely no reason that an unlicensed, untrained child with no concept of the rules of the road should be riding a motorcycle that can go up to 60 miles per hour next to cars on a public street.”

— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Richard John Eyssallenne to be released on bail as he awaits trial.

The takeaway

This case serves as a stark warning to parents about the serious legal and safety consequences of allowing underage, unlicensed children to operate high-powered motorized vehicles on public roads, which can endanger both the child and others.