Marblehead Police Wednesday shared safety tips for e-bike riders after seeing “an increase of crashes and near misses involving e-bikes over the last year,” according to an MPD statement
“E-bikes allow children and teens to build independence and be socially engaged. However, parents need to be aware of the dangers of these devices so they can inform their children on how to operate them safely,” the statement read.
Most e-bikes are equipped to travel no faster than 20 mph, which is the legal limit for bikes capable of providing motor assistance. Police say it’s easy for young riders to go faster than this.
“Please ensure your children’s e-bikes have tamper-proof speed limits, and if they don’t be sure you are regularly testing the bike to make sure it cannot go faster than 20 mph. This is also a good time to check the brakes and lights.”
Police say it’s important to know the law when it comes to e-bikes.
“E-bikes are not permitted to ride on sidewalks, and riders must share the road with cars and other vehicles. Make sure your child knows how to blend with the flow of cars and follow all designated road signs. When around pedestrians, bikers should travel no faster than 5 mph and use hand signals, verbal cues and/or bells to alert pedestrians.”
All riders under age 16 must wear a helmet. Noncompliance with the helmet requirement and traffic law violations for juveniles can lead to bicycle impoundment.
“Please talk with your child about e-bike safety before letting them ride. Keeping our community safe requires effort from everyone,” the MPD statement concludes.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
