Hanover Police Department E-Bike Public Service Announcement 7/2/25

The Hanover Police Department is seeing a dramatic increase in electric bicycle (E-Bike) usage by youth in our community. More concerning is the reckless manner in which these E-Bike/Scooters are being operated. We have observed children as young as 12 years old traveling along Route 53 in the wrong direction, cutting off vehicles, and displaying zero regard for their own safety or the safety of motorists. In most instances, these riders are helmetless, further exposing themselves to serious bodily harm. Unlike most urban communities, the Town of Hanover has no dedicated bicycle lanes, making E-Bike usage more dangerous.

Massachusetts also lacks appropriate license/education requirements for E-Bike operators, resulting in motorists sharing the roads with young children. These children simply have no level of awareness regarding the dangers they face on the roadways. Accordingly, we are taking a proactive approach to enforce all laws pertaining to the safe operation of bicycle usage regardless of bike classifications. Specifically, in accordance with M.G.L Ch. 85/11B, all riders who operate a bicycle on a public way in a manner that jeopardizes the lives and safety of the public will be cited for Operating to Endanger (OTE). Additionally, if riders under the age of 18 are cited for OTE, the involved E-Bike will be impounded.

This zero-tolerance,  preemptive approach is being implemented out of an abundance of caution in an effort to prevent a tragedy that we know is only a matter of when it will occur, not if it will occur. Hanover officers have already been encountering young riders who have no understanding of the rules of the road. They also lack an appreciation of the massive responsibility required to safely operate an E-Bike on our roadways. E-Bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles and travel at greater speeds, which results in far more serious crashes (as we’ve seen in other communities recently). Furthermore, the extent of potential injury is far greater than traditional bicycle accidents.

While Massachusetts has yet to adopt appropriate laws pertaining to all classifications of electric bicycles/scooters, all bicycle riders are required to obey the laws of the road and these laws will be strictly enforced. Parents, we are imploring you to reconsider purchasing or allowing your child under the age of 16 to ride an E-Bike, as doing so will absolutely expose your child to unnecessary danger. Be mindful that even if your child is a responsible rider, motorists who they will be sharing the roadway with, are more distracted than ever before. These E-Bikes (similar to motorcycles) offer no protection should a collision occur. If you do purchase an E-Bike for your child, please take the time to educate yourself about the E-Bike, specifically the classification of the bike and the risk your child will be exposed to.

Class 1

Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the E-Bike reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less.

Class 2

Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide assistance when the E-Bike reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less.

Currently, Massachusetts law does not recognize the federal Class 3 E-Bike, which travels at a higher rate of speed (28 mph). We strongly recommend parents refrain from purchasing these E-Bikes and ensure their children are not manipulating the speeds of a Class 1 or Class 2 to exceed the 20 mph threshold. This is a very simple process and is commonly done by snipping a wire in many cases.

Hanover Police Department leadership will be supporting efforts to further regulate E-Bike usage in the Town of Hanover and the Commonwealth to preserve public safety. Until stricter laws are adopted, we will use the tools available to us to ensure our community is educated and aware of the dangers involving E-Bikes.

Parents, please limit the roadways in which you allow your child to operate their E-Bike and educate them on all traffic-related laws. We ask our community to join us in keeping our kids and motorists safe this summer and beyond!

Any residents with E-Bike questions are encouraged to contact Chief Kane or attend the Town of Hanover Select Board meeting on July 7, 2025, at 6:30 pm, at which time Chief Kane will discuss this growing public safety concern.

Sincerely,

Timothy Kane, Chief of Police
Hanover Police Department
[email protected]