Newark Cracks Down on E-Bike Violations Amid Safety Concerns

Newark Cracks Down on E-Bike Violations Amid Safety Concerns Newark police distributed 25 citations and 23 warnings for e-bike violations since residents raised concerns about reckless speeds and safety risks. Officers confiscated more than a dozen cycles during the… Newark police distributed 25 citations and 23 warnings for e-bike violations since residents raised concerns about reckless speeds and safety risks. Officers confiscated more than a dozen cycles during the enforcement push that began May 21. The crackdown arrived after a spike in complaints. People were zipping around on bikes that went way too fast. City law prohibits modifications that boost top speeds. Police Chief Erik McKee said the department received far more speed-related complaints this year than in previous years, when only a handful of people raised the issue. Officers began drafting an action plan on April 9, then posted information about the law on social media April 17. "With these new modifications, they're going faster, faster, and faster," McKee said during a May interview, according to the Newark Advocate. "Then you also have this secondary problem of these electronic motorcycles, which are not e-bikes at all. You can put a modification on them and they'll go up to 70 miles per hour." The department trained 12 bike patrol officers who distributed warnings and clarified the law to 80 violators before citations started. Deputy Police Chief Darrin Logan informed City Council members June 1 that officers ramped up enforcement May 21. City law requires a license for anyone riding an e-bike. Parents must ensure their children follow e-bike and e-motorcycle rules. The department licensed more than 200 bicycles recently, including some from people who came in after officers spoke with them, Logan said. Officers documented one minor crash involving an e-bike where the bicyclist caused the incident. The state categorizes e-bikes into three classes. Class 1 and class 2 bikes are permitted on multi-use paths and typically max out around 20 mph using pedals. The department intends to deploy officers over the coming months to locations where complaints have surfaced. A few spots include the Everett Skatepark at 190 Everett Ave. and 21st Street Bike Park at Flory Park.