Suffolk starts enforcement of safety laws for e-bikes

Suffolk County police began cracking down March 1 on electric bikes and scooters after a pair of new laws went into effect this year setting an age restriction and requiring riders to wear helmets.

Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina and County Executive Edward P. Romaine were joined by lawmakers and other officials on Thursday at police headquarters in Yaphank to remind the public of the regulations.

The Suffolk Legislature unanimously enacted two bills concerning e-bikes and scooters in December, and Romaine signed them into law later that month.

Catalina described e-bikes as "inherently dangerous."

He said the new laws require everyone, regardless of age, to wear a helmet. Driving is prohibited on sidewalks and on roads with speed limits of more than 30 mph.

The laws stipulate anyone under 16 is prohibited from operating e-bikes. Police also have greater authority to seize an e-bike or scooter driven by anyone under 16.

"We don't want to see people purchase these things unnecessarily and have them impounded," the commissioner said.

After a two-month grace period following the laws' approvals, the police department’s highway unit has issued 53 tickets for e-bikes or scooters on sidewalks and 37 tickets for riding on roads with a speed limit greater than 30 mph, as well as six for "other reasons," Catalina said.

Romaine reminded residents e-bikes and scooters are also prohibited at county parks. 

"We’ve seen them tear up parts of our  pine barrens and trails," he said.

There are different classifications of e-bikes, and Catalina noted only Class 1 and Class 2 are legal. He said any e-bike or scooter modified to go over 20 mph  is illegal. 

Fines range from $500 for a first violation to $1,500 for a second violation and $5,000 for a third violation within five years.

Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo (R-Holbrook) said riding recklessly is a danger to the public.

"I just want to make it clear to everyone that we're not trying to dampen anybody's spirits on what you do a nice day," he said. 

By Joe Werkmeister

joe.werkmeister@newsday.com

Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.

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