Joe Melody, 16, was thrown from his moped around 1.30 p.m. on Sunday in a collision with a car.
He died in hospital hours after the collision at 1.30pm on Sunday in Gale Street, Dagenham.
Scotland Yard said the driver of the car stopped at the scene and has not been arrested.
In a statement, Joseph’s family said: “Our Joe, from the moment he could walk, he was on the back of a bicycle. If you could pinpoint a time when he was happiest, it would be then.
“Growing up, Joe was a sassy fellow who enjoyed the company of his friends and did everything kids do. He talked to and knew everyone wherever he went, Joe would make a friend, young or old.
“He had a heart of gold and cared deeply about his family and friends. He loved his nieces who looked up to him like their Uncle Joe Joe. He had just finished school; he was so proud and so were we.
“Our whole lives are torn and our hearts are broken, it will never be the same. Ride high in the sky our Joe Joe, forever loved, forever sixteen.”
A family friend told The Standard: “I knew Joe was very close to our family, we looked after him and looked after him.
“He was always at our house and at family gatherings.
“He is the sweetest boy, funny and very cheeky. I’m really going to miss his freckled face. I’m really devastated that he’s gone so quickly.
“I always told him to stay out of trouble and be a good boy.”
His friends conducted a ride to commemorate the crash site.
Joe’s social media profiles show him dancing on prom night, celebrating his last day of school, and posting messages looking for construction work. He also does stunts on his bicycle in the area. One of his last messages was an emotional reunion with his father.
A witness to the aftermath of the crash said: “I can’t imagine the pain of his family and friends. I can only hope that his last moments were not painful.”
A Scotland Yard A spokesman said: “Police were called to reports of a collision between a car and a moped in Gale Street, Dagenham.
“The moped rider – a 16-year-old boy – was taken to hospital. Sadly, he died in hospital later that day.
“The boy’s family has been informed and will be supported by specialized agents.”
“The driver of the car stopped at the scene. No arrest has been made.”
All witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are requested to call 101, ref 3360/18sep.