E-bikes and e-scooters continue to be an issue for public safety officials across New York state. With them being used more during the summer months, it has some law enforcement agencies cracking down on how they are used.
Michael Fasano has owned his e-bike for seven years and he enjoys the convenience and freedom it offers.
“If I don’t feel like pedaling, I don’t have to,” Fasano said. “But yet I can still get the exercise I need.”
But Fasano’s e-bike was no impulse buy.
“It took me three years to decide if I wanted a bike or a scooter,” he said. “The company is located in Phoenix, Arizona. They’re one of the largest companies in the world. Their safety is number one.”
While Fasano is well-versed in the safety regulations for his e-bike, he understands that not all riders are as careful.
“People abuse it, and they’re not careful about safety measures and so on. It has been a big issue with the town,” he said. “I mean, there’s only so much the police can do. They try, I see. They want to make sure that, you know, nobody’s getting hurt and they’re being careful in traffic.”
Issues with reckless use have become a concern in many local communities. Saratoga County Sheriff Jeff Brown wants people to understand and follow all safety laws.
Brown points out that many vehicles are expensive and often used by minors.
“We suspect a lot of these bikes are being purchased by parents who likely don’t know the rules or that they are assisting their children in violating the law,” Brown said.
According to New York state law, it is illegal for anyone under 16 years old to use an e-bike or e-scooter. Parents are legally responsible if their child uses these electric vehicles illegally.
Helmet requirements vary by age and e-bike class. For Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, riders aged 16 and 17 must wear a helmet, but for Class 3 e-bikes, helmets are required for everyone.
Brown adds that another worry for the community is that e-bikes and e-scooters are not required to carry insurance. Brown stresses that in the event of an accident, these vehicles may not be covered, posing a significant risk.
The conversation about e-bike safety has gained momentum across the state.
The Attorney General’s Office recently released a statement to New Yorkers, “reminding businesses, consumers, and families of New York’s important legal requirements for e-bikes and e-scooters. Bicycles with electric assistance, also known as e-bikes, and scooters with electric assistance, also known as e-scooters, are subject to strict safety requirements and speed limits in New York. After recent tragic deaths in New York City, Attorney General James is reminding New Yorkers that marketing and selling vehicles to New Yorkers as “e-bikes” or “e-scooters” that exceed state speed or power limits for those vehicles is a violation of New York law. Two-wheeled electric-powered vehicles that travel beyond those speed limits are not e-bikes or e-scooters under New York law. They may be e-motos, mopeds, or motorcycles that are subject to additional registration, licensing, and insurance requirements. New Yorkers are encouraged to file complaints with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) about businesses putting New Yorkers in danger by illegally selling these vehicles by falsely labeling them as e-bikes and e-scooters.”
Fasano says the e-bikes come with a responsibility to follow the law.
“You have to respect that driver’s license, so just like that, you have to respect the bike,” he said.