MADAWASKA, Maine (WAGM) – E-bikes are becoming a more common sight on local roads and sidewalks, with many kids using them to get around town. But after hearing questions and concerns from parents, Madawaska Police are reminding riders and families about the rules and how to stay safe.
“What we’re seeing is people on their e-bikes are not following the regular bicycle laws. Riding on the wrong side of the road, travelling fast, not wearing helmets, riding on the sidewalks, things like that. Anybody that rides them, everybody should be wearing a helmet but if you’re under the age of 16 then it’s a law. You’re required. It’s like anything else. Driving your car, you stay to the right, you obey all the traffic signals, like stop signs, and things like that, and you stop at the crosswalks when there’s a pedestrian,” said Madawaska Police Chief Jamie Pelletier.
Chief Pelletier says parents play an important role in making sure the e-bike their child rides is legal and appropriate for their age. “We’ve had a fair amount of parents reach out and say, “Hey, I’m thinking about getting my kid an e-bike and what are the rules.” Parents, they need to make sure what class of e-bike that they’re buying for their kids. Little kids can only ride something less than 750 watts, can’t exceed 20 miles per hour. You know, things like that. If the kids aren’t legal, then the parents could get in trouble for permitting unlawful use. Parents need to be kind of on board with what the kids are doing too and take responsibility for it.”
Chief Pelletier says road safety is a shared responsibility between e-bike riders and drivers. “It falls on both parties. The people on the bikes need to be safe and look out for themselves and drivers of vehicles need to do the same thing. It’s kind of a shared responsibility between everybody out there. So, we’re not gonna be the e-bike police but we really wanna make sure that people are safe.” Madawaska Police say a little awareness from riders, parents, and drivers can go a long way toward preventing accidents and keeping the community safe.
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