Dear Parents and Guardians,
Within the last two weeks, the Summit Police Department’s Community Policing Unit met with middle and high school students to discuss the growing use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and the importance of riding them safely and responsibly. Below is a summary of what was shared during the assemblies.
E-bikes are bicycles equipped with an electric motor to assist pedaling. There are three main classes:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph
- Class 2: Throttle-assisted, up to 20 mph
- Class 3: Pedal-assist up to 28 mph (not legal in NJ without motor-vehicle requirements)
We reviewed national and local data showing a sharp increase in e-bike injuries, particularly among teens. Emergency-room visits have risen from 751 in 2017 to over 23,000 in 2022, and trauma cases involving youth riders have increased more than 1,500 percent since 2019.
Students were reminded that with higher speeds come higher risks and greater responsibility. Key safety points included:
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet—helmets can reduce head-injury risk by up to 70 percent.
- Ride single file, with the flow of traffic, and use bike lanes when available.
- Obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and red lights.
- No phones, earbuds, or passengers while riding.
- Use hand signals, yield to pedestrians, and be predictable when sharing the road.
- Conduct safety checks before riding—test brakes, tire pressure, lights, and ensure batteries are charged safely using the correct charger.
We also reviewed the City of Summit ordinances regarding these devices:
- E-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways and may only be operated on roadways where bicycles are permitted. Violations may result in fines up to $500, and devices can be temporarily confiscated.
- Non-motorized devices (bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc.) are not allowed on sidewalks or other infrastructure in the downtown district. Outside the downtown area, they may be used on sidewalks if riders slow down and yield to pedestrians. Violations may result in fines up to $100.
Our message to students was simple:
“Your ride, your responsibility.”
Safe riding, following local laws, and respecting others help prevent accidents and keep our community safe.
Thank you for taking a moment to review this information with your child. Together, we can ensure e-bike riding remains a safe and positive activity for all. Please feel free to visit the City’s Website at the following link for more E-Bike Safety information:
https://www.cityofsummit.org/940/E-Bike-Ordinance
Respectfully,
Officer David Kotiga
Community Policing Unit
Summit Police Department
