Council, police discuss e-bikes and electric motorcycles; education to precede enforcement

Preston’s police chief briefed the City Council on state rules distinguishing electric-assisted bicycles, higher-powered electric motorcycles and other electric micro-mobility devices, and said the department will emphasize education and parental notification before moving to enforcement.

The chief told the council that an electric-assisted bicycle must have operating pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less; such devices fall into the state’s three ebike classes and are treated similarly to human-powered bicycles for many rules. Devices that exceed 750 watts or that lack pedaling capability are classified as electric motorcycles under state law; those vehicles typically require title, registration, insurance and a motorcycle endorsement on the operator’s driver license, and riders under age 18 must wear helmets.

Chief McKemnan said the department has already begun education: officers have warned several youths who were riding electric motorcycles around town and informed families about legal requirements. He cautioned that citations for underage or unlicensed operation can have long-term consequences for teenagers because certain misdemeanor citations can delay a person’s ability to obtain a driver’s license until age 18.

Council members expressed support for the educational approach but said they expect enforcement if warnings do not reduce risky riding. Council and staff discussed stand-on electric scooters and Segway-type devices; staff said many such devices are treated as “toys” under state guidance and are not allowed on roadways but may be used on sidewalks.

The council asked staff to make clear information available to the public about legal distinctions and safety guidance; a council member offered to coordinate with administrative staff to post the state guidance and the DMV flowchart the chief referenced on the city website.