There has been a recent uptick in observed violations and citizen complaints regarding the usage of electric bikes in Mineral Point. The Mineral Point Police Department would like to remind children and adults about proper bicycle safety while operating e-bikes. E-bikes fall under the same state statutes as bicycles. Some of the statutes are common ones, such as following the rules of the road by stopping at stop signs. Bicycles and e-bikes must ride as close as possible to the right-hand edge of the curb unless turning or if there are obstructions blocking the way. When riding during hours of darkness there must be a headlamp capable of emitting white light at least 500 feet to the front, and there must be a red reflector to the rear. However, it would be safer to have a tail lamp emitting red light.

There are a few statutes specific to e-bikes. One of the statutes speaks to the classification system of the bikes which says that “No person under the age of 16 years may operate a class 3 bicycle.” So how do you know if you or your child have a class 3 e-bike? There will be a sticker that will say the classification number of the e-bike along with motor wattage and the speed at which the motor will stop providing power. A good indicator that the e-bike is probably class 3 is if it goes faster than 22 mph using just the motor to power it.

While the Mineral Point Police Department will be on the lookout for safety violations, we believe that education is more important in helping to solve the safety issues that have been observed. As always, helmet usage is strongly encouraged.