Are Kids’ E‑bikes Illegal Motorcycles?

Roswell police are telling parents to check whether the electric two-wheelers their children ride are legally e-bikes or motor vehicles. A May 5 post from the Roswell Police Department said officers are seeing more children on high-powered e-bikes and electric motorcycles that they are too young to ride legally, including in places where those vehicles are barred. Officer Tim Lupo said in television interviews this month that officers have already worked multiple crashes involving children on the vehicles in recent months. Georgia law draws the line with specific requirements for pedals, motor output and speed, which can move a vehicle out of the bicycle category and into moped or motorcycle rules. ### When does an e-bike stop being an e-bike in Georgia? Georgia law defines an electric-assisted bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled device with a saddle, working pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts, according to Go Georgia, a statewide bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group that cited the Georgia code. Roswell police used the same 750-watt threshold in their public warning and said parents should check top speed, motor output and whether the vehicle has pedals. (nextdoor.com) Roswell police said Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes top out at 20 mph and Class 3 e-bikes at 28 mph with pedal assist. The department’s graphic said Class 3 riders must be at least 15 and wear helmets, while riders 16 and under on other e-bikes also need helmets. ### Why are Roswell officers talking about “illegal motorcycles”? Tim Lupo, the department’s public information officer, told CBS News Atlanta that some vehicles marketed to families as e-bikes are legally something else. “People are getting hurt,” Lupo said, adding that officers were trying to get information out before another crash. (go-georgia.org) He said classification depends largely on top speed, motor wattage and whether the vehicle has pedals. (nextdoor.com) The Roswell department’s May 5 post said many high-speed electric two-wheelers are treated as motor vehicles, not standard bicycles. The post said those vehicles require a driver’s license, registration, insurance and a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet, and are banned from sidewalks and multi-use paths. ### What if the vehicle is really a moped or motorcycle? (cbsnews.com) Go Georgia said a vehicle with more than 750 watts, no pedals, or speeds above e-bike limits is not legally an electric bicycle in Georgia. The group said those vehicles are often classified as mopeds or motorcycles, and in some cases may be unclassified and not street-legal at all. Georgia’s Department of Driver Services says moped riders must be 15 or older and have a valid driver’s license, instructional permit or limited permit. (nextdoor.com) DDS says motorcycle permit applicants must be at least 16 years old to get a Class MP permit. Roswell police said e-motorcycles are roadway-only vehicles, must be registered and insured, and require riders 16 and older with an MP permit or 17 and older with a Class M license. (go-georgia.org) ### Where are kids getting into trouble? Roswell, Georgia, was the focus of the warning because officers said they are seeing children ride these vehicles on sidewalks, through parks and on multi-use trails. Lupo told WSB-TV that police are seeing children as young as 12 on vehicles intended for older teens who are legally required to have permits or licenses. (dds.georgia.gov) CBS News Atlanta reported that Roswell police said the popularity of e-bikes and electric motorcycles among children has surged over the past year to 18 months, especially after the most recent holiday season. Lupo said parents, not children, are usually buying the vehicles. ### What should parents check before buying one? (wsbtv.com) Roswell police told parents to review the bike’s top speed, motor output and legal riding locations before letting a child use it. The department said parents should identify whether the vehicle has operable pedals, whether its motor stays at or below 750 watts, and whether its speed and equipment place it in one of Georgia’s e-bike classes or outside them. (cbsnews.com) Georgia DDS pages on mopeds and motorcycle permits set out the age and licensing rules for vehicles that fall outside the e-bike category. Roswell police said that checking those classifications before purchase can help families avoid citations, impoundment risks and injury cases tied to underage or unlawful riding. (dds.georgia.gov) (nextdoor.com)