Suffolk Police Lay Down E-Bike Rules

Suffolk County Police are warning riders and parents to know the rules before hitting the road on an e-bike or e-scooter, cautioning that illegal bikes and reckless riding can lead to hefty fines and impoundment.

Community Relations and School Resource Officer Jesse Levy said riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike or e-scooter on public property or roadways in Suffolk County.

“To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, make sure you follow these rules,” Levy said.

Legal e-bikes must have operable pedals, a motor under 750 watts and a label identifying the bike’s class, wattage and maximum assisted speed. Only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted, with motor assistance limited to 20 mph.

Modifying a bike can also land riders in trouble.

“Changing anything to the battery can make a legal e-bike into an illegal e-bike,” Levy said.

Officer Justin Fernandez warned that violations can become costly. Illegal bikes can be seized and impounded, with police release and redemption fees starting at $1,300. Violations can carry fines reaching $5,000, while repeat offenses can potentially result in jail time.

Police are also targeting dangerous riding behavior.

“Wheelies and other types of reckless driving behaviors are illegal and put you in danger,” Fernandez said.

Helmets are required for riders and passengers regardless of age. Riders must obey traffic laws, stay off sidewalks and cannot use e-bikes on roads with posted speed limits above 30 mph. Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also prohibited.

Parents could face financial consequences as well. If a rider under 18 is found guilty, parents can be held responsible for court-imposed fines. Police urged families to inspect an e-bike before anyone rides it.

“Check the rider, check the bike, check the road,” Fernandez said.

The department noted that the e-motorcycle shown in its educational video was illegal and used only for demonstration purposes.