(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted to the Patriot by Becker Schools Superintendent Jeremy Schmidt.)
E-bikes have become increasingly more popular for teens and others in our community. The bikes look like they are fun to ride and very efficient at getting from one location to the other.
“The purpose of my submission is to share that with these benefits, there are risks associated with e-bikes and I believe it is our responsibility to work together to help keep our students safe,” says Schmidt.”
“Just the other day, I had a close call that I can’t stop thinking about. Driving on Bank Street, I slowed down to make a right-hand turn when a teen on an e-bike attempted to pass me on the right.”
Schmidt said had he not been paying close attention, there most definitely would have been a devastating crash.
“This isn’t the first time I have seen this behavior,” he continued. “I have seen students riding in the wrong lane, weaving through traffic, doing wheelies, jumping between sidewalks and roads, and ignoring signs and traffic altogether.”
Schmidt noted these are not just reckless behaviors, but they are dangerous and illegal.
“I call for your help,” he says. “Parents and guardians, please talk to your children, regularly about how to ride these e-bikes responsibly. It is your responsibility to ensure they understand and follow the rules of the road. We need to start seeing e-bikes, just like motorcycles, and young drivers need to understand that they are not as visible as they may believe, especially when they are traveling at 20-30 mph.”
Schmidt says the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 70,000 hospital visits per year related to micromobility vehicles with 40% of those involving individuals under 18 years old.
“Drivers and pedestrians, please stay alert,” he said. “Due to their speed and size, e-bikes can appear very quickly and move faster than expected, especially around driveways, intersections, and school zones. A second of distraction can have serious life or death consequences. I appreciate e-bikes, but they need to be used with care, awareness, and responsibility. We need to all be vigilant and work together to ensure these rides remain safe for everyone.”
Addendum Source
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). (2023). Micromobility Products: 2023 Annual Report. https://www.cpsc.gov.
Becker Police
“E-bikes have been a focus of mine for the past few weeks, as we have seen an increase in complaints about reckless driving and speed,” said Becker Police Chief Chris Lindbloom. “The PD will be making a social media post today (Tuesday) that highlights e-bike state statutes.”
Lindbloom says the primary statute that parents are likely not aware of is that you must be 15 years old in order to operate an electric assisted bicycle.
“With the growth of electric bicycles in our community the police department has seen a steep uptick in the number of complaints about reckless riding,” Lindbloom said. “While we like that this new technology has allowed more people to get outside and enjoy our trails and parks, it is important to understand the laws pertaining to the use of these bikes.”
Here are a few e-bike laws and safety reminders:
• According to State law, cyclists must be 15 or older to operate an e-bike;
• According to State law, cyclists must follow the rules of the road including speed limits and traffic signals. E-bikes cannot be modified to bypass the speed limit control;
• Cyclists must alert pedestrians of their approach and be courteous to others sharing the sidewalks, trails and roads;
• Cyclists should always wear a bike helmet and other appropriate safety gear;
Penalties for not following the e-bike laws and regulations can result in fines. For more information, read more about applicable state laws 169.011, 169.222, 169.223, 169.225.
