Lincoln Police issues e-bike safety reminder

Spring weather means more E-bikes out and about. Lincoln Police want to remind you of important laws regarding E-bike usage. "With nicer weather here, we're seeing more electric bikes and electric motorcycles around town, especially being ridden by younger riders," police said. "They can be a fun way to get around, but there are some important laws everyone should know." What counts as an E-bike? Under California law, E-bikes must have working pedals and a motor under 750 watts. "There are three classes, Class 1: Pedal assist only, up to 20 mph, Class 2: Throttle equipped, up to 20 mph, and Class 3: Pedal assist up to 28 mph, riders must be 16+ and wear a helmet, following the same rules of the road as traditional bicycles," police said. "The City of Lincoln recently adopted an ordinance prohibiting E-bikes on sidewalks and pedestrian walking paths. There are areas meant for people on foot and there have been increasing safety concerns as E-bikes should be ridden on roadways or designated bike lanes," police said. "Electric motorcycles are not E-bikes, many of these vehicles can exceed 40 mph and are classified as motorcycles or motor-driven cycles. To legally ride one in public roadways you must have DMV registration and license plates, a licensed driver, and required safety equipment," police said in a Facebook press release. "Unregistered electric motorcycles operated on public streets or public property may be cited and impounded." Parents, this includes you. Parents can also be cited for allowing their children to operate these vehicles illegally. "Over the next month and into spring break, officers will be out on trails on our new LPD Dual Sports and around the city providing education and enforcement," police said. A quick conversation today can help prevent citations, impounds, or serious injuries tomorrow.