The town police chief briefed commissioners on growing safety concerns tied to throttle-driven e-bikes sold and used locally. Officers have reported children operating high-speed, motor-like bikes without pedals (commonly sold as Class II) and at least one incident that led to arrests and seizures, including the recovery of an airsoft replica firearm.

Chief's recommendations and rationale: the chief recommended removing Class II vehicles from the statutory "bicycle" definition or, if retained, banning their operation on public roadways. He suggested minimum age limits for Class I and Class III e-bikes when used on public roads (proposing age 16) and urged clearer wattage/speed limits or tagging requirements so officers can more easily distinguish between pedal-assist bicycles and throttle-driven motorized vehicles. The chief cited examples of reckless riding, sidewalk operation and night-time risks and said the town had provided information to legislative delegates and the state for potential code changes.

Enforcement challenges: officers said some retail units may mislabel specifications and that distinguishing wattage or top speed on the street is often impractical; they noted existing Maryland code classes and proposed that higher-power or throttle-only vehicles be categorized as low-speed vehicles, toys or motorcycles depending on output. Commissioners generally expressed support for a targeted approach to regulate Class II vehicles and encouraged continuing engagement with state legislators.

Next steps: the chief and staff will continue coordinating with delegates in Annapolis and provide a packet of research and proposed statutory edits to the town's legislative contacts. Commissioners asked staff to follow up with additional technical definitions and enforcement guidance.