Riverhead police highlight new local law regulating e-bikes and e-scooters

The Town of Riverhead and the Riverhead Town Police Department are advising residents about a newly enacted local law regulating the use of bicycles with electric assist (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) in the township.

Police said the increasing use of e-bikes and e-scooters — particularly by young operators who may not fully understand the rules of the road — has created a public safety concern for riders, pedestrians and motorists. The town enacted Chapter 213, Article 2, “Electric Scooters and Bicycles with Electric Assist,” to establish operational standards and reinforce state requirements, police said.

Key provisions highlighted by police include:

Below are some key provisions of the local law regarding E-Bikes and E-Scooters that all operators must know:

• Operators must be at least 16 years or older. Parents/Guardians may be held liable for operators
  less than 16 years old.
• Helmets must be worn by all operators, regardless of age.
• Operators must follow all rules of the road, traffic signs and yield to pedestrians.
• Only Class 1 and Class 2 E-Bikes are permitted within the Town of Riverhead.
• E-Bikes must have operable pedals with an electronic motor less than 750 watts and ceases to provide electric assistance after 20mph with an affixed manufacture’s label stating the class, maximum speed and electric watts.
• Maximum speed limit for an E-Bike is 20 mph and for an E-Scooter is 15 mph.
• E-Bikes and E-Scooters are prohibited on roadways with a posted speed limited greater than 30 mph and are prohibited on all sidewalks.
• E-Scooters are prohibited on public roadways and property between ½ hour after sunset and ½before sunrise.
• E-Bikes must have lights, a bell or equivalent signal, and reflectors.
• E-Scooters are prohibited upon and/or within the bicycle path system located at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreation Trail at the Calverton Enterprise Park.
• Operators are prohibited from riding while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. If involved in a crash, an operator of an E-Bike/E-Scooter may be charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

Violations of the local law may result in a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 15 days in jail, police said. Police also said an e-bike or e-scooter may be seized, with a $50 impound fee plus a $5-per-day storage fee.

Riverhead police ask anyone with information about suspicious or criminal activity to call the department’s Crime Hotline at 631-727-3333. Calls will be kept confidential, police said.