Benson Nguyen died May 7 after losing control of an E-Ride Pro SS 2.0 E-Moto in Garden Grove, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said the boy struck a raised center divider, was thrown from the bike and then hit a concrete light pole. (Garden Grove Police)
SANTA ANA, Calif. (WKRC) — The parents of a 13-year-old boy killed in an electric motorcycle crash have been charged with child endangerment as Orange County prosecutors expand their crackdown on adults who allow children to ride high-powered, unlicensed e-motorcycles on public streets.
Benson Nguyen died May 7 after losing control of an E-Ride Pro SS 2.0 E-Moto in Garden Grove, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said the boy struck a raised center divider, was thrown from the bike and then hit a concrete light pole.
His Life360 app showed he was traveling 43
His Life360 app showed he was traveling 43 mph when he crashed, prosecutors said. The model he was riding can reach 40 mph in Eco mode and as much as 62 mph in Sport mode.
Benson’s father, Vu Thanh Nguyen, 56, is charged with felony child endangerment and misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His mother, Hong Cuc Thi Nguyen, 49, is charged with misdemeanor child endangerment.
Prosecutors allege the father bought the boy a more powerful e-motorcycle despite warnings about his reckless riding and prior injuries, including a broken leg six months before the fatal crash.
Authorities said witnesses saw Benson speeding, doing wheelies
Authorities said witnesses saw Benson speeding, doing wheelies and driving through red lights shortly before the crash. Prosecutors also said he had posted videos of himself performing stunts on social media.
The vehicle did not meet California’s definition of a legal e-bike, according to the district attorney’s office. Because of its power, speed and design, officials classified it as a motor-driven cycle or motorcycle. Riding it on public roads required a motorcycle license, registration, insurance, a license plate and full motorcycle safety equipment, prosecutors said.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said the charges reflect an effort to hold adults responsible when children are allowed to ride illegal vehicles.
The loss of a child is a price
“The loss of a child is a price no parent should pay, and we mourn the tragic loss of Benson along with everyone who loved him,” Spitzer said. “But grief does not erase the decisions that were made by Benson’s parents.”
The county launched its RIDE SAFELY unit in May to review possible criminal cases involving minors riding e-bikes and e-motorcycles, as well as adults who knowingly allow it. Since January, prosecutors have filed related child-endangerment charges against 12 parents, according to the district attorney’s office.
Prosecutors say e-bike and e-motorcycle injuries have become the leading reason children in Orange County are taken to emergency rooms. They also say children ages 11 to 14 account for a disproportionate share of reported e-motorcycle crashes.
Vu Nguyen faces up to six years
Vu Nguyen faces up to six years in prison if convicted on all charges. Hong Nguyen faces up to one year in county jail. The parents are scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 12, per The Los Angeles Times.
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