Clarkstown police warn the public about dangers of e-bikes
Officers want to warn parents and young riders about fast, quiet e‑bikes and explain state rules for using them.
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The Clarkstown Police Department’s bike unit is back on patrol at town parks and community events, including at Congers Lake, where News 12 caught them in action.
The department is rolling out safety messages about e‑bikes. As the bikes become more popular - especially among kids - police say families should understand the risks.
"Parents think, 'Oh, I would never let my child have a dirt bike or a moped or anything that makes a lot of noise.' These are probably just as dangerous as those, if not more so, because they're not loud, and other motorists and pedestrians can't hear them," said Sgt. Matthew Sheehy.
Officer Phil Duval said drivers need to adjust their expectations on the road.
"The way drivers are supposed to look out for motorcycles, now, you've got to be mindful that could be a kid on an e-scooter or an e-bike," Duval said.
A 2024 study from Columbia University’s School of Public Health found e‑bike and scooter injuries increased 293% between 2019 and 2022.
Officer Chris Robinson said the department is seeing several issues firsthand.
"We have young and inexperienced riders on these bikes that are capable of excessive speed. These bikes don't have the proper illumination on the front. They don't always have brake lights, signaling. And we want to make sure our children are also wearing helmets while they're on these bikes," said Robinson.
There are also state laws riders need to know. According to a NYS Governor's Traffic Safety Committee graphic, also used by Clarkstown police, e‑bikes can be used on roads by people 16 and older, in bike lanes and in a single file. They cannot be used on sidewalks or on roads with speed limits above 30 miles per hour.
E‑bikes capable of speeds faster than 20 miles per hour cannot be used outside New York City.
