2 Children Hurt In E-Bike Crashes In Grafton, Police Warn

GRAFTON, MA — Police are urging families to review e-bike safety rules with young riders following several dangerous incidents in town.

Grafton police responded to multiple reports of juveniles riding e-bikes recklessly or unlawfully during a 48-hour period, the department announced on Sunday. This comes as two children were taken to local hospitals after e-bike crashes.

Police did not release any information about the children's conditions as of Monday.

Groups of young people were also seen riding e-bikes recklessly on school property during a recent Grafton High School football game, putting themselves and spectators at risk, police said. Motorized recreational vehicles are prohibited on school property unless they are owned by the town.

Police said some e-bikes can reach 28 mph. Massachusetts currently recognizes Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which stop providing motor assistance at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes can provide assistance up to 28 mph but are not currently defined as e-bikes under state law.

Under Massachusetts law, e-bike riders generally have the same rights and responsibilities as bicycle riders, but they may not operate e-bikes on sidewalks. Riders age 16 and younger must wear helmets, while bicycles operated by minors in violation of state rules may be impounded for up to 15 days.

Grafton police asked parents and guardians to discuss e-bike safety with their children. The department said officers will continue issuing citations and impounding e-bikes when violations occur. Citations issued to juveniles younger than 16 will be directed to a parent or legal guardian, police said.

E-Bike Safety Concerns Across Massachusetts

The Grafton incidents follow an increase in e-bike complaints and serious injuries elsewhere in Massachusetts.

Milford police had responded to more than 80 e-bike-related incidents through late July, including disturbances, reckless operation complaints and other safety concerns. Police there said unsafe behavior has included excessive speeds, weaving through traffic, riding in pedestrian areas and operating modified bikes.

• See Related: E-Bike Safety Concerns Grow In MA As Crashes, Injuries Rise

UMass Memorial Medical Center was treating three to five e-bike trauma patients each week as of July, up from about one patient per week during the same period in 2025, Patch reported. One or two patients each week required surgery, according to Dr. Jonathan Green, a pediatric trauma surgeon at the Worcester hospital.

Doctors reported treating brain bleeds, traumatic head injuries, facial fractures and major orthopedic injuries connected to e-bike crashes. Marlborough police also increased education and enforcement efforts following complaints about reckless riding, traffic violations and helmet use among younger riders.

See Also:

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