Tewksbury Police Offer Guidance On E-Bikes, Electric Dirt Bikes

TEWKSBURY, MA — Police are providing guidance following an increase in the use of e-bikes.

The Tewksbury Police Department posted the following:

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The Tewksbury Police Department has seen an increase in e-bike use throughout our community. With more of these bikes on our roads and in our neighborhoods, we want riders and parents to understand an important point: not every electric-powered bike is legally considered an e-bike in Massachusetts.

Under Massachusetts law, an e-bike must have fully operable pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes have a maximum motor-assisted speed of 20 MPH. Qualifying e-bikes do not require a driver's license or vehicle registration, and riders age 16 and younger are required to wear a helmet.

What about electric dirt bikes and other high-powered electric bikes?

Vehicles without operable pedals, with motors exceeding 750 watts, or capable of providing motor assistance beyond 20 MPH may not meet the legal definition of an e-bike. Depending on the vehicle's design, power and capabilities, it may fall under a different classification with additional registration, licensing, equipment and operating requirements.

Most importantly, purchasing an electric bike or dirt bike does not necessarily mean it can legally be ridden on a public road, sidewalk or bicycle path.

We encourage parents and guardians to know what type of bike their child is riding, understand its capabilities, and review the rules with them before they ride.

Know the difference. Know the rules. Ride safe.