Citing a sharp rise in safety concerns and limited enforcement tools, the Yorktown Police Department presented a proposal to the Town Board seeking new laws to curb the unlawful operation of e-bikes and e-scooters.
So far this year, the department has logged 76 complaints involving motorized cycles and scooters, including seven reported in October. Under current New York State vehicle and traffic laws, officers cannot issue tickets or summonses directly to children under 16 years old, the age group that is the subject of most of the complaints.
While police can issue citations to parents, state law permits this only if the parent is actively witnessing their child commit the violation. As a result, authorities say their hands are tied when responding to reports of reckless riding.
“We feel it’s just a matter of time before a kid gets hurt out there,” Yorktown Police Chief Justin Foley told the Town Board on October 13. “I’m not trying to force kids back into the home. We’re trying to keep the community safe.”
To close enforcement gaps, police asked the board to consider a local ordinance requiring vendors to inform customers about what is permitted and prohibited in Yorktown before a purchase is completed.
In addition, police recommended several key provisions for a new town law, including:
- Prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks.
- Prohibiting passengers (limiting bikes to a single rider).
- Mandating helmets for riders of all ages.
- Prohibiting operation by anyone under 16 on town-owned property, public highways, streets, and in public parks.
To enforce the proposed rules, police outlined a progressive three-tiered penalty structure:
- First Offense: Educational warning.
- Second Offense: $250 fine.
- Third Offense: $1,000 fine, plus impoundment of the e-bike or e-scooter.
Yorktown Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman called for a balanced approach that focuses on outreach rather than immediate criminalization.
“The goal that our PD wants is to educate first, not look at punishing a kid for riding a bike. It’s important that we don’t overreach,” said Supervisor Lachterman. “This is really an education process and it’s safety first.”
The Town Board adjourned further action on the proposal pending a decision by the Westchester County Board of Legislators. County officials are currently considering a local law that would grant municipalities across Westchester explicit authority to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters within their borders.
A public hearing on the proposed countywide legislation is set for November 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board of Legislators Chambers, located on the eighth floor at 148 Martine Ave. in White Plains.