Riverhead cracks down on e-bikes, e-scooters with tough new safety law
Town officials say the vehicles pose a significant safety concern. News 12 has reported on numerous crashes involving e-bikes across Long Island.
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The growing popularity of e-bikes, e-dirt bikes and e-scooters has prompted the Town of Riverhead to enact a new law regulating the electric devices.
Town officials say the vehicles pose a significant safety concern. News 12 has reported on numerous crashes involving e-bikes across Long Island.
Under the new law, only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted in Riverhead. Both classes are limited to a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. Faster Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited.
The law also bans e-bikes and e-scooters from sidewalks. News 12 cameras observed an e-dirt bike being ridden on a sidewalk in downtown Riverhead on Thursday.
“Stay off sidewalks, obviously,” said Scott Simpson, of Center Moriches. “There should be designated areas for e-bikes and safety for everybody.”
Among the law’s key provisions, operators must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike or e-scooter. All riders are required to wear helmets, regardless of age.
The law also imposes serious penalties for impaired operation.
Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin said the measure is intended to improve safety for everyone using local roads and sidewalks.
“It gives us that opportunity to provide a safe quality of life for everybody,” Halpin said. “Not only those that are operating the e-scooters and e-bikes, but drivers of cars and pedestrians walking and bicyclists.”
Halpin said police are actively enforcing the new law.
Key Riverhead E-Bike and E-Scooter Regulations
Operators must be at least 16 years old.
Parents or guardians may be held liable for riders younger than 16.
Helmets are required for all operators.
Riders must obey traffic laws, traffic signs and yield to pedestrians.
Only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted.
E-bikes must have operable pedals, a motor of less than 750 watts and a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
E-scooters are limited to 15 mph.
E-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited on sidewalks.
E-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited on roads with speed limits greater than 30 mph.
E-scooters are prohibited on public roads and public property from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise.
E-bikes must be equipped with lights, reflectors and a bell or similar signaling device.
E-scooters are prohibited on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreation Trail at Calverton Enterprise Park.
Riders impaired by drugs or alcohol may face DWI charges if involved in a crash.
