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Select Board weighs drafting an e‑bike bylaw amid safety concerns for children
Summary
Board members raised safety concerns about widespread e‑bike use by children and teens and discussed drafting a local bylaw to define classes of e‑bikes, age limits, permitted riding locations and enforcement; town counsel and the police chief will be consulted before any bylaw goes to town meeting.
Select Board members flagged growing concerns about unsupervised e‑bike and scooter use by children and teens and discussed whether to pursue a local bylaw to give police enforceable standards.
One member described seeing an 11‑year‑old on an e‑bike and said the incident raised worries about kids riding on streets and courts without appropriate equipment or age limits. The board discussed potential bylaw elements: definitions and classes of e‑bikes, minimum rider ages, allowed locations (streets vs. sidewalks vs. parks), equipment requirements (lights, helmets), and enforcement and fine structures. Staff noted there is legislation at the state level under consideration but that towns can write more specific local bylaws. The board agreed it would be useful to review models from other towns and ask town counsel and the police chief for drafting help; any bylaw would likely be routed to town counsel and then to town meeting for approval.
No formal motion was made; the board asked staff to gather model language and consult police and counsel so a draft could be prepared for review at a future meeting.
