New Suffolk County rules curb e‑bike use, require helmets and retailer notices

Suffolk County has adopted new rules governing the operation and sale of electric bicycles and scooters, and local police departments say they have stepped up enforcement.

The legislation, described on the county website and summarized in LTV’s report, prohibits riders under the age of 16 from operating e‑bikes, requires helmets for riders of all ages, and bans e‑bikes from sidewalks and from roadways with posted speed limits above 30 miles per hour. Retailers selling e‑bikes must post prominent signs about the rules and provide customers with printed handouts, and the broadcast noted penalties for noncompliance can include fines up to $1,000 and potential impoundment of the device.

Lieutenant Todd Spencer of the Southampton Town Police told LTV his officers have trained to handle e‑bike enforcement and have coordinated with school officials to communicate the rules to younger riders. "We have been ramping up enforcement for over a year now to coincide with the increase in violations we have seen as the devices become more abundant," Spencer said.

Captain Gregory Martin of East Hampton Town Police said his department has incorporated the new rules into outreach and plans to discuss them publicly at the May 5 town board meeting.

The broadcast directed viewers to the Suffolk County website for a full description of the rules. The report did not include details of the legislative vote or the ordinance number on air.