PORT WASHINGTON, Wis. (WFRV) – A police department in Wisconsin is reminding residents of laws concerning e-bike usage in the state after reporting numerous dangerous violations this summer.
The Port Washington Police Department said in a Wednesday afternoon release that officers have dealt with dangerous and illegal usage throughout the summer.
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The release specifically noted an increase in young riders operating electric dirt bikes, which don’t meet the qualifications of a low-speed e-bike.
According to the release, a low-speed electric bicycle under Wisconsin law must have the following:
- Fully operational pedals
- Electric motor less than 750 watts
- Max assisted speed of 20 miles per hour, or 28 mph for Class 3
E-bikes are prohibited from being ridden on public sidewalks, and a Class 3 e-bike may only be ridden by individuals 16 or older. Tampering or modifying speed capability is also illegal without valid updated labels.
The same rules of the road for traditional cyclists also apply to e-bike riders, and no more than two may be side by side on the roadway at a time.
The release also expressed concern over the use of e-dirt bikes, specifically by young riders. These do not meet the legal definitions of a low-speed e-bike as they generally have more powerful motors and reach higher speeds.
To operate an e-dirt bike, riders must have a valid license, registration through the Wisconsin DMV and compliance with insurance.
They must also be ridden on streets, and only if they are street legal with valid lights and signals.
The Port Washington Police Department also urges parents to research extensively before deciding to purchase and teach their children the rules of the road.
