Watertown Electric Motorcycle Crash Seriously Injures Boy; Police Clarify E-Bike Laws
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - WATERTOWN, S.D. — A 13-year-old Watertown boy sustained serious injuries Friday evening after the electric motorcycle he was riding was struck by a pickup truck in northwest Watertown, according to a Monday, Oct. 26 media release from Watertown Police Capt. Steve Rehorst.
The Watertown Police Department and Watertown Fire Rescue responded to the injury collision at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at the intersection of 3rd Avenue NW and Kampeska Boulevard N.
Details of the Collision and Investigation
According to the preliminary police investigation, the 13-year-old boy was riding an electric motorcycle eastbound on 3rd Avenue NW when he was struck by a northbound Dodge Ram 2500 driven by a 20-year-old Watertown man. Police reported that the pickup driver stopped at the posted stop sign at the intersection before failing to yield the right-of-way to the eastbound electric motorcycle.
The impact resulted in the juvenile being dragged approximately 10 to 12 feet beneath the pickup. He suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by Watertown Fire Rescue ambulance to Sanford Hospital for medical treatment. Police noted the 13-year-old was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
During the investigation, officers determined the electric motorcycle had a motor capable of producing at least 1,000 watts of power. Because South Dakota law caps electric bicycles at 750 watts, the vehicle does not qualify as an electric bicycle and legally meets the state's definition of a motorcycle.
The 20-year-old driver of the pickup was cited for underage purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages, in violation of South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 35-9-2. Police said the collision remains under investigation and that additional charges involving either operator may be filed.
South Dakota Law on Electric Bicycles vs. Electric Motorcycles
After the crash, the Watertown Police Department reminded residents—particularly parents and guardians—that not all two-wheeled electric vehicles marketed or advertised as "e-bikes" meet South Dakota's legal definition of a bicycle.
Under South Dakota law, a legal electric bicycle must have fully operable pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less.
State law divides electric bicycles into three classifications:
· Class I: Provides motor assistance only while the rider is pedaling, with motor assistance ending at 20 mph.
· Class II: Can be propelled by a throttle without pedaling, with motor assistance ending at 20 mph.
· Class III: Provides motor assistance only while pedaling, with assistance ending at 28 mph. Operators of Class III electric bicycles must be at least 16 years old and follow additional safety requirements.
Electric-powered vehicles that exceed those power or speed specifications, or lack operable pedals, may be legally classified as motorcycles depending on their design and capabilities. Motorcycle-classified vehicles may require the operator to hold a valid driver's license and a motorcycle endorsement, and may be subject to additional public roadway requirements.
The Watertown Police Department urged parents and guardians to verify the motor wattage, speed capabilities, and legal requirements of electric-powered vehicles before allowing children to ride them on public streets. Police also reminded riders to wear a properly fitted helmet, use appropriate lighting, and obey traffic laws, and urged motorists to watch closely for bicycles, electric bicycles, and motorcycles when approaching intersections.
