(KRON) -- Some Petaluma parents have already been cited under new California laws that went into effect on January 1 for incidents involving juveniles riding electric-motorcycles, police said. This week police are warning parents and guardians that they can be held financially and legally responsib le when their child operates e-bikes or e-motorcycles in violation of the new laws. Three separate incidents unfolded in downtown Petaluma between January 18-19, when police pulled over juveniles for riding e-motorcycles. "In each case, the juvenile was released to a parent or guardian, and the parent was cited under Vehicle Code 14607 ... allowing a minor to operate a motor vehicle on public streets. All E-motorcycles were towed," the Petaluma Police Department wrote. (Photo courtesy Petaluma Police Department) PPD said it has received "numerous community reports of reckless riders," and officers stepped-up patrols around the city looking for offenders. While acknowledging that rules and regulations can be confusing, the police department said, "We have been actively working with schools, students, and parents to try and address safe riding." Menlo Park schools ban popular e-bikes E-motorcycles require the rider to have a license, registration, and helmet. E-bikes that meet equipment and safety requirements are allowed on public roadways. On January 16, two juveniles were riding together on one e-bike when it collided with a vehicle on Fair Street, police said. The duo was transported to a hospital. On January 11, officers saw a juvenile running stop signs while riding an e-motorcycle with a passenger near East Washington Place. "When officers attempted a traffic stop, the juvenile sped through another stop sign and was nearly struck by an oncoming vehicle. After hitting a speed bump, the rider lost control and crashed," PPD wrote. In this case, police cited the unlicensed juvenile for reckless driving and failing to wear a helmet. Burlingame boy, 4, killed after e-bike collides with SUV On January 7 near Casa Grande High School, two juveniles were riding together on a single e-bike when they collided with a parked car, police said. Some e-bikes can travel up to 28 miles per hour. Modifications can exceed the manufacturer’s speed restrictions. The police department wrote, "Parents are strongly urged to reconsider purchasing these vehicles for their children or to allow them to be ridden in public spaces. Juveniles operating these vehicles face serious safety risks, and parents may be held financially and legally responsible for violations, injuries, or property damage." ...read more read less