Parents are charged after son, 13, smashed $4,000 e-bike capable of doing 55mph into pole and killed himself

Prosecutors in Orange County, California, have charged the parents of 13-year-old Benson Nguyen after he died in a crash while riding a powerful electric motorcycle. They allege his parents allowed him to ride despite his age, previous injuries and repeated warnings, raising questions about parental responsibility and access to fast electric two-wheelers.

The crash happened in May on Magnolia Street in Garden Grove, where prosecutors say Benson was travelling at about 35mph when he hit a raised divider and was thrown into a concrete light pole. The E-Ride Pro SS 2.0 costs more than $4,000 and can reach 55mph or more; prosecutors say California law requires riders to be at least 16 and hold a motorcycle licence. His father faces felony child endangerment and a misdemeanour charge, with up to six years in prison if convicted on all counts; his mother faces a misdemeanour child-endangerment charge. The allegations have not been proven in court.