Safety First: Rules For E-Bikes, Scooters And More

Now that we are in the warmer months of the year, popular modes of transportation, including bicycles, e-bikes, dirt bikes, motorized scooters, and motorcycles, are a common sight on and off our roadways.

While these motorized vehicles, including electric scooters and bicycles with electric assist, are fun to operate, being responsible and practicing safety is a top priority.

Just a few days ago, a person on a motorized scooter must have thought that the rules of the road did not apply to him, and he almost crashed into my vehicle, while I had the right of way.

Last fall, the Town of Vestal Police Department issued a safety reminder and just recently released that information again as we segue into the season when these types of transportation are prevalent the most.

According to the VPD, devices without pedals, powered solely by electric motors, fall under other vehicle categories and must meet the rules for those categories, including registration, license, insurance, and equipment, including, but not limited to, lights, turn-signals, and helmets.

These motorized vehicles should not be operated by juveniles outside of your private property. The Vestal Police Department notes that they have seen an uptick in these on public roadways, and even on the Vestal Rail Trail.

The Vestal Police Department reminds everyone of what is allowed to do and what is illegal:

A two or three-wheeled vehicle without pedals powered purely by an electric motor, but not registered, is not legal on public roads or highways.
Off-road or 'for trail' bikes that don't have the necessary lighting, mirrors, etc., or which are too powerful, may be illegal to ride on public roads.
Devices that cannot be legally registered as mopeds or motorcycles (some “mini-bikes” or “off-road only” electric bikes) are often not street legal.
E-bikes with a class 3 rating are prohibited.
Bicycles with electronic assist are allowed on roadways when operated by someone 16 years of age or older where the maximum speed limit is 30mph or less.
Riders utilizing a class 1 or class 2 E-bike can travel at a maximum speed of 20 mph along these roadways.
Riders are required to obey the same traffic laws and signals as motorists and must yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Vestal Rail Trail. If a rider must use the Vestal Rail Trail, they are not permitted to operate with the electric assist and must travel at 10mph or less.

Be safe, follow the rules when operating these types of transportation. For more information on operating an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist in New York State, visit the NYS DMV website on this topic.

LOOK: Must-do activities at every national park

Stacker lists the must-do activities at every national park ranked by the annual number of visitors.

Gallery Credit: Angela Underwood

Source: Know The Rules Before Hitting The Road On Two Wheels

Categories: Articles