Currently, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the topic of e-bikes. Recently, lots of injuries, and even deaths have been the result of minors’ use of e-bikes.

Electric vehicles have been very popular among kids and teens, with the likes of some adults riding them as well. But what many people do not realize is how dangerous they really are. Since around 2019, the amount of ER visits due to e-bike incidents has about tripled.

On Bernardsville’s police department website, they provide a chart and information on how these vehicles are treated in competition to other vehicles. This chart says that if an electric bike is <750W then a license and registration is not required, and a helmet is also not required if you are over the age of 17 years old. Police officers are allowed to fine up to $500 worth of tickets just like cars and other road worthy vehicles. 

Bernardsville’s former chief of police John Remian also had words to offer considering these e-bikes. He said, “I don’t think a young rider of an e-bike or e-scooter is experienced enough to understand the dangers of riding in traffic and how fast things can happen when you are not paying attention.” 

He explained, “To date we have not seen any serious incidents involving e-bikes. However, we have received complaints of irresponsible e-bike usage on our roadways over the past few months”. 

Regarding what the most difficult task with this situation is, he described the most difficult task with this is enforcing these rules to young adults and teens. He said “I think this is the most difficult part of this issue. Our belief at this time is that education for both parents, teens and other riders of e-bikes and e-scooters is an extremely important part of keeping everyone safe. Enforcement is the last option to consider and hopefully it’s not an option we have to use.” 

Lastly, he recommended what riders should wear to ensure safety whilst riding: “A helmet, bright clothing and lighting equipment/reflectors for riding during low light conditions would be essential in my opinion.”

Rocco Pucciarelli ‘29, who has an e-bike, calls for more support for the electric vehicle because of how exciting and fun it can be for the kids. He had described it as “One of the best purchases of my life.” 

In his experience, he does not often come across any trouble while riding. He continues, “Whenever I am riding I never think of the fact that I could possibly get badly injured, or whenever I see a kid on the news getting injured from e-bikes it is not really their fault. I feel that if the safety of the child on an e-bike is in jeopardy it is always because of the drivers on the road, and not the kids. Many incidents such as texting and driving, or drinking and driving can cause many deaths in teens, just as many can be pure accidents.” 

In conclusion, unrest in New Jersey will continue to boil as the topic of e-bikes will continue to be a controversial topic in our state.