El Centro police patrolling e-bikes after several complaints

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The El Centro Police Department (ECPD) is stepping up its patrols after receiving several complaints about e-bikes.

ECPD say people have called saying they almost hit someone riding an e-bike. Police also says riders are running red lights, not wearing their helmets and driving on the wrong side of the road.

ECPD say last week, they saw a group of riders using their e-bikes recklessly and were able to cite the group, as well as tow their e-bikes.

"What we are doing is we are educating the bicyclists. Sometimes we will stop them, not to cite them, but to educate them on the rules of the roads. Make sure they are wearing their helmets and make sure they are following the rules of the cars and just let them know that the drivers are not going to see them," said Officer Adrian Hirales with ECPD.

ECPD say they will cite you on the second strike and tow your bike.