Yorktown officials are weighing how to address e-bike safety concerns without discouraging young people from riding, as police report 76 complaints involving the vehicles this year.
Police Chief Justin Foley, Capt. Mark Rapisarda and Traffic Safety Unit officers Michael Uhl and Max Ellsworth, along with Jay Kopstein, a retired NYPD deputy chief and outspoken resident, joined the Town Board Tuesday to discuss potential regulations and enforcement measures. Kopstein said violations should be civil, not criminal.
“It’s not a major crime, it’s obviously a quality of life issue going on in the town of Yorktown,” Foley said. “We feel that’s only a matter of time till, most likely, a juvenile gets hurt or killed. ... We’re just going to take some enforcement action on it.”
Foley said there have been seven complaints in October alone, with most complaints this year involving riders younger than 16. Officers face limitations under state law when issuing traffic tickets to younger riders, making education and parental involvement central to the department’s proposed approach.
But the Foley said it’s not the departments goal to spoil the fun for children and teenagers.
“I have five kids in this town, too. I want the kids to be outside. I want them to be active,” he said. “I'm not trying to force them back into the household with technology—that’s not what we're trying to do, we're just trying to keep the in our community safe.”
Officials discussed safety workshops, educational videos and notifying parents when officers stop young riders. Board members also suggested working with the Parks and Recreation Department to offer classes, potentially as a condition for retrieving an impounded bike.
Police also raised concerns about high-powered electric motorcycles marketed as e-bikes, some capable of reaching speeds of 60 to 70 mph. These devices may fall outside the state’s legal e-bike classifications, creating additional enforcement challenges.
But Yorktown police officers are directed to avoid a pursuit or chase.
“It's not worth the risk on it,” Foley said.
Potential regulations include requiring helmets for riders of all ages, restricting where certain electric bikes can operate and imposing fines or impoundment for violations. Officials also discussed nighttime lighting and reflective requirements.
The department plans to prioritize education and warnings before escalating enforcement. Town officials said they would work with the town attorney to develop proposed regulations and review laws adopted by other municipalities. Any proposed local law would be subject to a public hearing.
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