California Parents Face Criminal Charges After 13-Year-Old Son Dies in E-Motorcycle Crash

GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA — The parents of a 13-year-old California boy who died in an electric motorcycle crash are facing criminal charges after prosecutors alleged they allowed him to continue riding despite repeated warnings about dangerous behavior and previous injuries.

Benson Nguyen, of Santa Ana, died on May 7, 2026, after losing control of his E-Ride Pro SS 2.0 electric motorcycle in Garden Grove, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

His father, Vu Thanh Nguyen, 56, faces one felony count of child endangerment and one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His mother, Hong Cuc Thi Nguyen, 49, faces one misdemeanor count of child endangerment.

Prosecutors announced the charges on October 20. Both parents are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Fatal Crash Happened at More Than 40 MPH

Authorities said Benson was riding near Magnolia Street and Larson Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. when he lost control of his electric motorcycle.

According to prosecutors, he had been speeding, running red lights and performing wheelies shortly before the crash. He struck a raised center divider, was thrown from the motorcycle and collided with a concrete light pole.

Investigators said data from his Life360 app showed the motorcycle traveling at approximately 43 mph at the time of the crash.

Benson was taken to UCI Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

The crash prompted renewed scrutiny of high-powered electric motorcycles being operated by children on public roads.

Prosecutors Say Parents Had Received Repeated Warnings

According to the district attorney’s office, Benson had previously been involved in dangerous riding incidents and sustained multiple injuries.

One of the most serious occurred approximately six months before his death, when he broke his leg while riding another electric vehicle.

Prosecutors allege that despite these incidents and warnings about his riding, his parents purchased him a faster, more powerful E-Ride Pro SS 2.0.

The district attorney’s office argues that the decision to allow the unlicensed teenager to continue riding the vehicle exposed him to a foreseeable risk of serious injury.

The charges reflect prosecutors’ position that parental decisions contributed to the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. The allegations have not yet been tested at trial.

Father Faces Felony Charge

The criminal allegations against Benson’s parents differ in severity.

His father faces a felony child-endangerment charge and a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to six years in state prison.

His mother faces a misdemeanor child-endangerment charge and could receive up to one year in county jail if convicted.

Both parents are scheduled to be arraigned on November 12, 2026.

The district attorney’s office said the case forms part of a broader effort to address injuries and deaths involving children who ride high-powered electric motorcycles illegally.

Officials Warn That E-Motos Are Not Ordinary E-Bikes

Authorities stressed that the vehicle Benson was riding was an electric motorcycle, not a conventional electric bicycle.

Under California law, the type of vehicle involved in the crash is classified as a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Operating it on public streets requires the appropriate motorcycle license, registration, license plate, insurance and required safety equipment.

Children under 16 are not legally permitted to ride these electric motorcycles on public roads.

The E-Ride Pro SS 2.0 is capable of reaching speeds of up to 62 mph in its highest-performance mode, according to the district attorney’s office.

Officials say the speed and power of these vehicles can create serious risks for inexperienced riders, particularly children who have not received proper training.

Social Media Videos Became Part of the Public Discussion

Before his death, Benson posted videos on TikTok and Instagram showing himself performing tricks on his electric motorcycle, including wheelies and other riding maneuvers.

Prosecutors cited the videos and previous incidents as part of their account of the risks associated with his riding.

The case has also drawn attention to the growing popularity of electric motorcycles among teenagers, with some young riders using public streets to perform stunts or travel at high speeds.

Authorities have urged parents to understand the legal requirements and safety risks before allowing children to operate these vehicles.

District Attorney Calls for Parental Accountability

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said the charges were intended to reinforce that parents have a responsibility to protect children from dangerous situations.

“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 in a statement.

He added that the prosecution believed accountability was necessary because of the alleged repeated warnings and injuries before the fatal crash.

The district attorney’s office has pursued similar cases involving parents whose children were allegedly allowed to ride high-powered electric motorcycles illegally.

The broader initiative includes public education, enforcement of existing laws and efforts to reduce crashes involving young riders.

A Family’s Loss Amid a Growing Safety Debate

Benson’s death has become part of a wider debate about children’s access to powerful electric vehicles and the responsibilities of parents, manufacturers and retailers.

For his family, the legal proceedings follow the loss of a 13-year-old boy. For prosecutors, the case raises questions about whether earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy.

The charges do not establish guilt, and the parents will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations in court.

Their arraignment is scheduled for November 12, when the case is expected to move into its next stage.

Sources: PEOPLE — Original Report