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Nantucket Police outline e‑bike safety campaign, cite state law and helmet rule
Summary
Chief Jody Casper described enforcement waves, said Massachusetts law defines e‑bikes as pedal‑assisted up to 20 mph, noted class‑3 bikes are not in state law, and urged registration and helmet use while the department coordinates with schools.
Chief Jody Casper told the committee the Nantucket Police Department is running a targeted e‑bike safety and education campaign, reporting 17–18 enforcement/education waves to date around schools and other high‑traffic locations. She said the department uses the Massachusetts General Laws definition of an e‑bike: “a bike that basically has pedals and goes no more than 20 miles an hour with assist.”
Casper noted class‑3 e‑bikes (higher‑speed models) are not currently authorized in Massachusetts and that any electric vehicle exceeding the 20‑mph assisted limit would be classified differently and likely require a driver’s license or learner’s permit. She cautioned that retail descriptions can be misleading and that many devices are easily modified to exceed legal limits.
The department has emphasized education and parent notification; officers have made stops to warn students, register bikes, and in some cases secure noncompliant bikes at racks until registration paperwork is completed. The superintendent and staff reported a visible drop in unsafe e‑bike behavior since the campaign started, and the chief reiterated helmet use is required for riders of all ages on the island.
The committee discussed balancing enforcement and student cooperation; a student observation noted unease about officers locking improperly registered bikes but supported helmet and safety messages. The district intends to continue coordinating messaging and registration efforts with police.
