ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — After questions poured in following a warning from Ogden police about reckless e-bike and electric dirt bike use, town and village officials are now pointing residents to the specific laws on the books in both Spencerport and Ogden, as well as statewide rules in New York.
Two teens on electric dirt bike run red light in Spencerport, crash into car
Officials said one of the biggest takeaways is that people under 16 are not legally allowed to operate e-bikes or e-scooters in New York state.
That clarification comes after Ogden police urged parents this week to take a closer look at what their children are riding and where they are riding it, citing an increase in complaints, crashes and unsafe behavior involving motorized bikes and similar vehicles.
According to a New York State fact sheet shared by officials, e-bikes and e-scooters are legal to operate in the state, but riders must follow the same general rules of the road that apply to other vehicles and cyclists. Riders are also prohibited from using them on roads with speed limits over 30 mph, unless specifically allowed by local law or ordinance.
Under state law, operators must be at least 16 years old. Helmets are not required for all riders, but they are required for 16- and 17-year-olds operating e-scooters and Class 3 e-bikes.
The local rules in Spencerport and Ogden go further in some cases.
In the Village of Spencerport, local code prohibits operating electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist on sidewalks. The code also allows police to remove and impound those vehicles if they are being operated in violation of the law.
The code states a first-time impound carries a $500 redemption fee, while a repeat impound can cost $2,000.
In the Town of Ogden, a local law approved in 2025 expanded restrictions on motor-driven vehicles on town-owned and privately owned property. The law says those vehicles are not allowed on public property owned, leased or controlled by the town, including rights-of-way, sidewalks, tree lawns and parks, except on trails specifically designated for that use.
Ogden’s law also gives police the authority to remove and impound vehicles being operated in violation of the chapter. That law sets the same $500 first-time and $2,000 repeat redemption fees.
Officials said the documents were shared in response to community questions about what is and is not allowed, especially after recent incidents involving young riders.
Police are urging parents and riders to review both state law and local ordinances before heading out this spring.
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