06/18/2026
Great reminder on e-bike and scooter safety!
*A Message on E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety in North Tonawanda*
There has been growing concern in our community regarding accidents and unsafe operation involving teenagers on e-bikes and e-scooters. These concerns became even more real after Friday’s incident involving a 15 year old rider who was struck by a vehicle.
I have since spoken with his mother, and thankfully, he is doing better and recovering. We are all grateful that he is okay. We are also thankful for the prompt response of our North Tonawanda Police officers and first responders. Had they not arrived as quickly as they did, the outcome could have been much different.
This is exactly why everyone needs to take this issue seriously.
E-bikes and e-scooters can be fun or a useful way to get around. But they are also faster and heavier than traditional bicycles, and when they are operated by riders who are underage, not wearing proper safety equipment, riding on sidewalks, ignoring traffic signals, or unfamiliar with the rules of the road, they can create serious safety risks for riders, drivers, and pedestrians. However, these electric modes of transportation are considerably more dangerous.
This is not a new concern for the City. Over the last couple of years, my office and the North Tonawanda Police Department have shared educational materials regarding New York State laws for e-bikes and e-scooters. Over the past year, we have also spent significant time reviewing what other communities are doing and what options may make sense locally.
There are a few important New York State rules that every family and rider should know:
• Must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike or e-scooter.
• Must follow the rules of the road with stop signs and red lights.
• E-bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on sidewalks.
• Riders should use bike lanes where available.
• Avoid roads with posted speed limits over 30 mph.
• Helmets are required for 16 and 17 year olds, but still recommended for all.
• Lights, brakes, and proper equipment matter.
Last night, the Common Council also passed a local restriction proposed by the Police Chief, prohibiting e-bike and e-scooter operation through public events. This was done for safety reasons. Events often have large crowds, children, families, vendors, pedestrians, and limited space. Allowing motorized scooters and e-bikes to move through those areas creates an unnecessary risk.
Beyond that, the City continues to review additional options. Other communities have taken different approaches, including stronger enforcement, restrictions in parks or crowded public spaces, impoundment for illegal operation, and expanded education campaigns. Each approach has benefits and drawbacks.
For example, stronger enforcement can help address dangerous behavior, but our Police Department cannot be on every street in an 11-square-mile city at all times. Broader bans may sound simple, but they can also be difficult to enforce and may unfairly impact responsible riders. School based restrictions may help reduce unsafe use by younger students, but there are concerns regarding potentially reduced attendance.
That is why we are trying to take a thoughtful approach focused on education, enforcement, and reasonable solutions.
The City, the North Tonawanda Police Department, and the North Tonawanda City School District are already discussing additional safety education efforts for students and families. Our School Resource Officers have participated in bike safety programs over the years, and we are looking at ways to expand that work to more directly address e-bikes and e-scooters.
But this cannot be solved by City government and laws alone.
The City can pass reasonable laws. The Police Department can enforce violations when they see them. The School District can help educate students. But families also play a critical role. Parents and guardians should know what their children are riding, whether they are legally old enough to operate it, whether they are wearing a helmet, and whether they understand that traffic laws apply to them just like everyone else.
This is not about stopping kids from having fun. It is about making sure they are safe and making sure a fun ride does not turn into a life changing accident.
We will continue working with our Police Department, School District, Common Council, families, and residents to address this growing concern. We also welcome constructive input from the community. What are you seeing in your neighborhood? What safety concerns should we be aware of? What reasonable steps do you believe would help?
Our goal is simple: keep kids safe, protect pedestrians, support responsible riders, and make sure everyone understands the rules of the road.
Please ride safe, look out for one another, and take this seriously as the city continues to find solutions.
