If you have spent much time on the roads this summer, you’ve likely noticed that e-bikes (electric power-assisted bicycles) are quickly becoming more popular, especially for young riders. While e-bikes can be an enjoyable form of transportation when used responsibly, their speed and weight can create risks that are different from those associated with traditional bicycles.
We’ve put together the guide for parents (and others) found below to help them understand the risks and legal responsibilities related to e-bikes. In it, we lay out why e-bikes deserve special attention, the classes of e-bikes, who can operate e-bikes and where, helmet requirements, and other safety considerations. We hope that this guide will be an informative and helpful tool for parents to help keep their children safe (and legal) along the roads, sidewalks, and paths of the Town.
We want to remind everyone that pedestrians, joggers, dog walkers, cyclists, and e-bike riders all share the Town’s sidewalks, shared-use paths, and, at times along with vehicles, the streets and roadways. Courtesy, reduced speeds around others, and attention to surroundings help ensure that everyone can enjoy these safely.