Riverhead e-bike law in effect: Here’s what you need to know

Riverhead police on Monday warned e-bike and e-scooter riders to follow a new town law carrying penalties of up to $500, possible jail time and vehicle seizure.

The Town Board unanimously adopted the regulations June 16 following months of debate over the growing use of electric bikes and scooters, particularly among younger riders.

Town officials have said the devices pose a growing safety concern for riders, pedestrians and motorists. Police Chief Ed Frost previously told the Riverhead News-Review that at least two crashes involving an e-bike or e-scooter had occurred on Route 58 in recent months, including one that left a rider seriously injured.

Before approving the law, the board scaled back some of its original restrictions and clarified the definition of electric-assist bicycles following concerns from older residents who rely on the devices.

A legal e-bike must have working pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that stops providing assistance at 20 mph. It must also carry a manufacturer’s label listing its class, maximum assisted speed and motor wattage.

Here are the new law’s key provisions: 

• Operators must be at least 16 years or older. Parents or guardians of riders under age 16 may be held liable. 
• Helmets are required for operators of all ages. 
• E-bike and e-scooter operators must follow all rules of the road, traffic signs and yield to pedestrians. 
• Only Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed in Riverhead Town. Class 1 has a pedal-assist, while Class 2 operates with a throttle with pedals. 
• The maximum speed limit for an e-bike is 20 mph and 15 mph for an e-scooter. 
• E-bikes and e-scooters are banned from sidewalks and roadways with a posted speed limit sign greater than 30 mph. 
• E-bikes must have operable pedals with an electronic motor less than 750 watts and stop providing electric assistance after 20mph with an affixed manufacturer’s label stating the class, maximum speed and electric watts. 
• E-scooters cannot be ridden half an hour after sunset or a half hour before sunrise in Riverhead.
• E-bikes must have lights, a bell or equivalent signal, and reflectors.
• E-scooters are forbidden on the bike path at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Recreation Trail at Calverton Enterprise Park, or EPCAL. 
• It is illegal to ride an e-bike or e-scooter while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. Those involved in a crash who are impaired may be charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). 

Suffolk County adopted separate restrictions last year banning e-bikes from sidewalks and roads with speed limits above 30 mph, unless stricter local rules apply. The county also prohibits children younger than 15 from operating e-bikes on public property or roadways.

Violating Riverhead’s law can bring a fine of up to $500, as much as 15 days in jail or both. Police may also seize and impound an e-bike or scooter. Owners would face a $50 impound fee and an additional $5 for each day the device remains in storage, according to the police release.

For more information, visit townofriverheadny.gov.