Rising E-Bike Use Prompts New Local Laws, Warnings

E-bikes and e-scooters have become more common on local roads, prompting concerns about where they are ridden and who operates them. On Monday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators approved a measure allowing towns and villages to establish their own laws. But New York State law already has restrictions on e-bikes and other electric two-wheeled devices, including where they can be used, how fast they may travel, and how old riders must be. Police in the Town of Mount Pleasant and Pleasantville both recently issued statements warning that they will enforce restrictions on the operation of e-bikes and e-scooters, including by people under 16. WHAT COUNTS AS AN E-BIKE? Under New York State law , a bicycle with electric assist must have operable pedals and an electric motor with a power output of less than 750 watts. It must also display a manufacturer’s label listing its class, maximum motor-assisted speed and motor wattage. New York State recognizes two e-bike classes that are generally relevant in Westchester County. Class 1 e-bikes provide motor assistance only while the rider is pedaling and stop assisting at 20 miles per hour. Class 2 e-bikes can be propelled by the motor without pedaling, but the motor also stops providing assistance at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 25 mph, are permitted only in cities with populations of at least 1 million people and are therefore not legal to operate in Pleasantville or Mount Pleasant. Not every electric two-wheeled device is automatically considered an e-bike. A device without functioning pedals, for example, does not meet the state’s definition of a bicycle with electric assist. The distinction can also be confusing for parents shopping for their children. Stefan Pappalardo, owner of Ride of Pleasantville , says teenagers sometimes come into the store looking for vehicles that are electric dirt bikes, or “e-motos,” which can operate at higher speeds than e-bikes and are not street legal. “Immediately my question is, ‘Well, have you been looking at one? Can you take your phone out? Show me what you’re looking at,’” Pappalardo said. “And it’s usually literally a dirt bike.” RULES FOR RIDERS New York law prohibits anyone younger than 16 from operating an e-bike. E-bikes also generally may not be ridden on sidewalks unless a local law specifically allows it. They can generally be operated only on roads with posted speed limits of 30 mph or lower , and riders must yield to pedestrians. Riders ages 16 and 17 must wear helmets, according to state legislation . Pleasantville Police Chief Kevin Gilmartin says underage riders are a particular concern because they may lack experience navigating traffic.  “They’re not looking both ways, or not merging properly with traffic, or riding alongside vehicles safely,” he said. Gilmartin said the department has seen increased use of both e-bikes and e-scooters over the last several years, particularly among teenagers. “We’ve been trying to take more of an education approach to begin with,” he said, reminding residents of the law . But police could eventually issue fines . SAFETY CONCERNS The Pleasantville Free Union School District amended its existing motor vehicle policy in August to address e-bikes and e-scooters on campus. Students old enough to ride legally must dismount at the campus boundary and walk their e-bikes to the racks. Superintendent Eric Lutinski said the district adopted the policy after seeing some underage students were riding e-bikes to school. But there had also been some problems with e-bikes damaging school property. “What we have found is that the heavier e-bikes and scooters sometimes find their way onto our turf fields, onto our track,” Lutinski said. But he said there had been no major issues since the most recent amendment to school district policy. Examiner Media Examiner Media – Keeping you informed with professionally-reported local news, features, and sports coverage.