Suffolk County seeks to stiffen fines for young people illegally riding electric bikes
Suffolk police at the scene of a crash between an e-bike and SUV on Aug. 3 in Huntington Station. The driver of the e-bike was charged with driving while intoxicated. Credit: Neil Miller
Parents of teens zigzagging on electric-powered two-wheelers in Suffolk County could face fines as high as $5,000 under proposed legislation aimed to further regulate e-bike industry.
As use of e-bikes and e-scooters rise, officials say it’s imperative to ensure younger drivers follow the rules of the road. They are "posing a serious public safety threat," according to the legislation, set to be introduced Thursday.
At least 12 people died in e-bike and scooter crashes on Long Island over the last three years, according to Newsday's database of fatal crashes, which is based on law enforcement releases.
Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst), the bill’s sponsor, said the problem has worsened and current code lacks "teeth."
"I can’t go anywhere without people saying, ‘What can we do about these e-bikes, these kids on scooters,’ " McCaffrey said.
The legislation stiffens penalties for several violations, such as operating under the age of 16, driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fleeing police or riding on sidewalks or highways. The legislation sets a $500 fine for a first violation, which climbs to $1,500 for a second violation and up to $5,000 for a third violation within five years.
The bill also adds additional language for police to seize an e-bike or e-scooter driven by anyone under 16.
Parents or legal guardians of anyone under 18 would be responsible for fines and restitution for property damage, the bill says.
The legislature’s Public Safety Committee on Thursday advanced the bill to a public hearing at next Tuesday’s general meeting in Hauppauge. Public hearings begin at 2 p.m.
A separate resolution sets further restrictions and penalties for motorized scooters.
Most e-bikes and e-scooters do not require a license or registration, but larger electronic motorcycles do require them. Speed limits vary by the type of bicycle or scooter.
McCaffrey said a local law adopted in 2022 to crack down on all-terrain vehicles operating on public roads has been successful, and he envisions this law to have a similar effect.
Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine said he looks forward to reviewing the legislation.
"Safe conditions on our roads, trails and sidewalks is a critical issue in maintaining the quality of life in this county," he said in a statement. "The Suffolk County Police Department will do all it can to ensure that any rules and regulations related to e-bikes and scooters are enforced."
Last week, a 13-year-old boy was seriously injured after crashing into a deer while riding what police described as an e-bike in East Islip, Newsday reported.
"In reality, kids shouldn’t be on e-bikes," Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said last week. "The fact that we have so many out there on the roadways oftentimes driving recklessly really invites this type of situation."
Suffolk police this month circulated a guide on e-bikes and e-scooters with school districts to distribute to parents.
The proposed legislation also would require any sellers of e-scooters and e-bikes to post a sign and provide a written copy outlining the restrictions to anyone who purchases one. Violators could face a $1,000 fine, under the legislation.
At Big Cat Electric Bicycles in Patchogue, printed copies of the recent police guide were readily available for customers on Wednesday.
"We want our customers to know," said Lee Abramson, 64, who runs the shop.
He said most of the bikes sold are for adults, but he frequently sees kids "doing wheelies down the sidewalk" on various electric rides, many of which can be bought online or at big-box stores.
He said parents should monitor their kids, and that he wouldn’t let his own children ride unsupervised on anything capable of 20 mph or more.
"It’s just not a wise thing to do," he said.
Port Jefferson Village and Brookhaven Town officials said in September they planned to increase enforcement of late-night gatherings of scooters and e-bikes in the village.
Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.
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