Pittsfield Police Are Cracking Down on Illegal E-Bikes

If your kid is riding an e-bike around Pittsfield this spring, it might be worth taking a closer look at what they are actually riding.

The Pittsfield Police Department says officers have been encountering a growing number of both juveniles and adults operating e-bikes that do not meet Massachusetts legal standards, and they are putting the community on notice that enforcement is coming - according to a Facebook post by the Pittsfield Police.

The different classes of e-bikes

So what is legal in Massachusetts? The state recognizes two classes of e-bikes. A Class 1 e-bike has a motor that only assists while the rider is pedaling. A Class 2 e-bike adds a throttle on top of that pedal assist. Both classes must have fully functional pedals, and neither can exceed 20 miles per hour with motor assistance.

One thing worth knowing: Massachusetts does not recognize Class 3 e-bikes at all. If your bike is capable of going faster than 20 mph, it is not a legal e-bike in this state, period - for example: you modify your bike to go faster than 20 MPH.

All e-bikes must follow the same rules of the road as traditional bicycles, with one important exception: they are not allowed on sidewalks.

Here is where it gets serious. If your bike does not meet those standards, because it has no pedals or goes over 20 mph, police may classify it as a moped, scooter, or motorcycle. That means the rider could be required to have a license, register the vehicle, and wear a DOT-approved helmet. Violations can result in fines, citations, vehicle impoundment, or even criminal charges and arrest.

PPD is urging parents especially to check what their kids are riding before officers do it for them.