In recent years, electric bicycles, or e-bikes, have become exceedingly popular. It is common to see these vehicles on roads or sidewalks while out, especially in Walpole’s town center. Whether the user is speeding or not wearing a helmet, e-bikes present a danger for not only the driver, but the people around them as well.
Currently, very few regulations are in place for electric bikes and how one should properly use them. Although e-bikes can reach high speeds, they are not recognized as motorized bicycles by the state. According to MassBikes, in 2022, a law was passed that says class one and class two electric bikes in Massachusetts have the same rules as regular bicycles except they cannot drive on sidewalks. This means that bikes that can reach up to 20 miles per hour and exert 750 watts of power do not require a license or permit of any kind. However, local jurisdiction has the ability to decide whether or not these vehicles can go on public paths. They are also not allowed on mountain trails unless the town approves.
Furthermore, because there are limited regulations for e-bikes, the drivers often are perceived as reckless. As a result of this lack of precaution, accidents have become more common. According to the National Library of Medicine, in a 10 year span, there are about 45,000 people injured from e-bikes. In comparison, in 2020, the injury rate of regular bicycles peaked with about 12,800 people hurt. Additionally, younger individuals who are affected by electric bike incidents mostly receive head injuries. One’s brain is not fully developed until they are 25-years-old; therefore, head injuries can significantly impact their growth. On the other hand, when one is in an accident on a regular bike, it is more common that they injure an arm or a foot, which is much less detrimental than any head injury.
In Walpole specifically, e-bikes are extremely prevalent in the center of town. When driving through, one commonly sees teenage boys operating these vehicles. Over the past year especially, there has been a rise in the amount of users. If the bikes are used safely, there should be no issue; however, e-bikes are often misused. They are seen speeding on sidewalks or doing wheelies in the street. While this might be non-threatening for many, the unpredictability of the e-bikes can frighten drivers.
In order to prevent any accidents from happening, both drivers and electric bike riders should be more cautious about where they are going. While car drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, in areas where e-bikes are commonly seen, they should slow down and be alert for e-bikes more specifically. On the other hand, bike riders can definitely be more careful when crossing streets or parking lots. They should also become more aware of the areas that are more busy and try to avoid them. Additionally, e-bike users should try to drive at a reasonable speed, 10 miles per hour to 15 miles per hour, when around others and refrain from performing certain tricks, such as wheelies, in these highly populated areas. Both sets of drivers should take the precautions to co-exist peacefully and prevent any accidents from occurring.
If e-bikes are used properly, the drivers can ensure safety for themselves and those around them. If misused, e-bikes can become extremely dangerous for the drivers and the people around them; therefore, certain precautions should be taken to prevent any significantly negative effects. As the use of e-bikes becomes increasingly popular, one must remember to operate them safely or react to them appropriately.
